
JHHHHHH 

i^HHEn 

38599 B tob hkh 

gWMWMHHQBlMmHflMHIOcn 




(MMMMWHBMXJUlUUBHfl 




From the painting by Frothingham, now in possession of Lawrence Waters Jenkins. 



CONTENTS 

Biographical Sketch, by Judge Joseph G. Waters, ix 

Address on Dr. Bentley, by Marguerite Dalrymple, xxiii 

Bibliography, by Alice G. Waters, xxx\ii 
Account of the East Meeting-house, by 

Judge Joseph G. Waters, xli 

Diary of Dr. William Bentley, 1784-1792, 1 



ILLUSTRATIONS 



Dr. William Bentley, from the painting by Frothingham. Frontispiece 

The East Church, Salem, to face page xiii 

Interior of the East Church, Salem, xvii 

Dr. William Bentley, from a silhouette made about 1815, xxiii 

The Crowninshield House where Dr. Bentley lived, xxxiii 

Plan of Arrangements at the funeral of Dr. Bentley, xxxvii 

The Brick School-house, Salem, 31 

Rev. Nathaniel Whitaker of Salem, 35 

Rev. John Murray of Newburyport, 61 

Seal of the Second Corps of Cadets, Salem, 105 

Seal of the Proprietors of Essex Bridge, 105 

Jonathan Jackson of Newburyport, 115 

The Mclntire Washington, 131 

A Northeast View of Newburyport, 201 

Court House and Town House, Salem, 213 

The Philip English House, 249 

Dummer Academy, Byfield, 291 

Gravestone of Rev. Nathan Holt of Danvers, 285 

" Lord" Timothy Dexter of Newburyport, 391 

The Essex Merrimack Bridge, Newburyport, 419 



INTRODUCTION 



In printing the Diary of Dr. William Bentley it has been 
thought undesirable to include everything found in the original 
text. The omissions principally consist of quotations from books, 
and newspapers, easily accessible elsewhere, and also lists of parish 
calls, for Dr. Bentley preserved in tabular form a memorandum of 
every call that he made and of every invitation to dinner or to tea. 
A century ago it was customary, in time of sickness or death, for 
the minister to receive and to read from the pulpit on Sunday, 
notes requesting the prayers of the congregation. In the following 
pages the weekly record, there preserved, will be found to be of 
great value to the biographer and the genealogist, although it 
should be kept in mind that connection by marriage is frequently 
referred to as though it were by blood. " Mother-in-law " means 
step-mother, in present day usage, and " brother at sea " may mean 
brother-in-law at sea. 

The publication of this Diary has only been made possible 
through the cordial co-operation of the American Antiquarian 
Society, and grateful acknowledgment is also due to Mr. William C. 
Endicott of Danvers, and to an unknown friend, for assistance of 
a substantial nature. The larger number of the foot-notes to be 
found on the succeeding pages, have been supplied by Mr. Edward 
Stanley Waters, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, a former resident 
of the East Parish, Salem, who has long been familiar with the his- 
torical value of the diary and has frequently urged its publication. 



A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 

OF 

REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY. 

From the Historical Address by Judge Joseph G. Waters prepared 

for the celebration of the 150 th Anniversary of the 

establishment of the East Church, observed 

November 8, 1868. 



William Bentley was born in the north part of Boston, on the 
twenty-second day of June, A. D. 1759, and was the son of Joshua 
and Elizabeth Bentley. He was named after his maternal grand- 
father, William Paine of Boston, of whom he was a great favorite 
and towards whom, Dr. Bentley ever showed so strong an attach- 
ment that it almost interrupted the harmonious relation between the 
parents and the son. 

Upon the decease of his grandfather, Dr. Bentley entered in his 
Diary, the following reference to him. 

" 1786. The night of Nov r l 8t ended the life of my most worthy 
grandfather. It was by his generosity, I was educated at Cambridge, 
and he continued through life, as an unceasing benefactor. May 
my gratitude be as unceasing as his goodness." 

Dr. Bentley entered Harvard College in 1773, at the age of four- 
teen, in a class quite distinguished for its scholarship, and graduated 
with high honor in 1777. Soon after leaving college he was appoint- 
ed a teacher in the Latin grammar school in Boston, but soon 
exchanged this position for the preceptors hip in the North grammar 
school in that city. He had hardly entered upon his duties there, 
when he received the appointment of Latin and Greek tutor in Har- 
vard College. He continued in this office till his ordination over 
this Church, occasionally preaching in the neighborhood of Boston 
where he became noted as a popular speaker. 

He commenced preaching as a candidate (in Salem), on the first 
Sabbath in May, 1783, and continued with them till the twenty- 
third day of July following when he received an invitation to a 
settlement as colleague pastor with Mr. Diman, which he accepted. 

During the preceding month, an Act had been passed by the Gen- 
eral Court, incorporating the proprietors of the house and providing 
for a dissolution of the parish on the death of the senior pastor. 

The ordination took place on the 24 th of September following. 
The Rev. Mr. Lathrop of the old North Church in Boston preached 



X BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 

the sermon, the Rev. Th 8 Barnard of Salem made the introductory- 
prayer, Dr. Cooper of Brattle Street Church in Boston made the 
consecrating prayer, the senior pastor, Mr. Diman, gave the charge, 
and the Rev. John Prince of the First Church in Salem, the right 
hand of fellowship. 

During the whole of the joint ministry thus inaugurated, the rela- 
tion between these pastors was inharmonious. Mr. Diman had not 
regarded with much favor the selection of Mr. Bentley as a colleague, 
and soon after his induction into office, treated him uncourteously. 
For nearly two years he neglected to invite him to participate in the 
rites of the communion, or baptism. Dr. Bentley having a sensi- 
tive nature felt these incivilities most keenly and remonstrated 
against them. 

The society sided with him and demanded that Mr. Diman should 
permit his colleague to enjoy all the privileges of his sacred office. 
They likewise appointed a committee to devise some measures for 
restoring the peace and harmony of the society, thus interrupted. 
This movement of the parish in a degree effected its purpose for 
soon after Mr. Diman gave his consent that the two pastors should 
alternately officiate at the communion service. 

Harmony was thus restored, for a while, but new causes for dis- 
content arose, which revived the angry feelings between the senior 
pastor and the people, and occasioned the passing of a vote by the 
society, on the 19 th day of October, 1785, insisting absolutely on 
Mr. Diman's withdrawal from all services in the pulpit, and prom- 
ising to pay to him, if he assented to their request, all arrearages 
due to him from the society — and to meet him in the spirit of peace 
and harmony. Mr. Diman acknowledged the receipt of this vote 
in a gentle and forgiving spirit and in reply stated, that he must, 
under the obligation imposed by his ordination, ever regard it his 
" duty of using his utmost endeavors to promote true religion among 
the People." Thus terminated Mr. Diman's official intercourse with 
the East Society. 

As the different phases of this unfortunate controversy pass in 
review before us, at this distance of time, we are better prepared to 
form a judgment upon them, than were those personally concerned 
in it. 

Candor and justice alike require us to admit that each party to it 
failed to manifest that spirit of forbearance and meekness of tem- 
per becoming a christian brotherhood. 

In the heated zeal of the society to vindicate the cause of their 
young pastor, they did not properly appreciate the trying circum- 
stances under which Mr. Diman was placed. 

For nearly a half century, he had exercised an almost despotic 
sway over this people, training them to walk in the ways of a theol- 
ogy which admitted no progress save in the iron ruts which an arbi- 
tary priesthood had laid down as the sure and only way to the 
heavenly kingdom. 



BY JUDGE JOSEPH G. WATERS xi 

How could he bear, with equanimity, as a rival for the favor of 
his people, this youthful competitor, fresh and jubilant as he then 
was — full of the spirit of progress — alive to every good work — his 
liberal mind richly stored with every variety of learning, open to 
and ready to receive any suggestion of reason that might aid him 
in interpreting the scriptures — an acknowledged champion for the 
right of private judgment, in all matters of faith — rejoicing in a 
heart, sated to its core with every generous impulse to instruct, cheer 
and elevate the poorer and downtrodden among his fellow beings ? 
How could elements so diverse and heterogeneous ever be expected 
to assimilate ? 

Mr. Diman's ministry was an useful one in many respects. He 
took a very active part in all the improvements and changes made in 
the house. Outside of the society he had obtained quite a reputa- 
tion as a learned divine and was frequently called upon to perform 
public duties. He was chosen chaplain to both branches of the 
General Court. 

He passed away on the eighth day of October, 1788, in the eighty- 
first year of his life, and the fifty-second of his ministry. 
There were religious services at the meeting-house on the day of his 
funeral, the expense of which was borne by the society. Rev. Mr. 
Swain of Wenham delivered the sermon and Rev. Mr. Forbes of 
Cape Ann made the prayer. His remains were followed to the 
grave by all the clergy in the vicinity, the senior members of the 
Ministerial Association supporting the pall. Mr. Diman was a native 
of Long Island, and was born on the twenty-ninth of November, 
1707, graduated at Harvard College in 1730 and was its librarian 
from 1735 to the time of his ordination. He was married to Mary, 
daughter of Timothy and Lois (Pickering) Orne, of this town. She 
died Nov. 14, 1787, leaving two sons and three daughters. One of 
the latter married Rev d Aaron Green of Maiden, the father of James 
D. Green, former pastor of the Unitarian church in Lynn. 

Mr. Bentley found, in the commercial character of our people, 
much to satisfy the demands of his liberal and investigating mind, 
and consequently he readily assimilated with them. This blending 
of the peculiar elements which characterized pastor and people, 
served to develop in Dr. Bentley those catholic and liberal views of 
Christianity, as well as those generous social virtues, for which he 
was so highly distinguished, and made him so popular as a pastor. 

A portrait, drawn in a poem of the late lamented Judd, so closely 
resembles the character of Dr. Bentley that we almost might sup- 
pose that it was intended for him. 

" Christ's minister is one possessed of Christ, 
" Able to reproduce that Christ in others ; 
" He's no schismatic — to no creed subscribes — 
" His ordination more from Heaven than man, 



Xll BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 

" Allows no Government 'twixt him and God ; 

" Seeks no patristic but the Gospel model — 

" By function a reformer — not by name — 

" In virtue of his office pledged to Peace 

" Freedom and temperance joined with unity — 

" Parochial were his duties — he was constant true. 

" To cheer the sick, and through the darkened vale 

" To light the dying man — inter the dead — 

" Console afflictions manifold events — 

" Impress the sacred seal on marriage vows — 

" Bishop of the Town schools — he did inspect 

" His diocese — His office had no end." 

In his pulpit exercises he was very interesting and instructive. 
His prayers breathed the spirit of true devotion and so full were 
they of his overflowing sympathy for those who sought an interest 
in them, that he was often carried away by his feelings, on these 
occasions extending the service much beyond the limit of a patient 
endurance, even of the most devout listener. It was in admonition 
of this error, that the clock now hanging before me, was first set up 
in the front gallery of the old meeting-house, to remind him of the 
flight of time. 

His manner of reading the scripture lesson was very peculiar. 
After naming the chapter, he would give a paraphase of the whole 
of it embodying in his version the spirit of the best commentators 
and always concluding the service with the words " Here endeth 
the Collect." 

This part of the exercises was much enjoyed by those of his hear- 
ers whose tastes and scholastic attainments had qualified them to 
appreciate it. But frequently it exposed him to the charge of 
strangers that he discarded the common version and substituted a 
Bible made by himself. 

This practice must have commenced early in 1791, as would 
appear from the following entry in his diary of that year : " Jan 7 
Monday. Introduced yesterday the Lecture proposed in explaining 
the Scriptures, at the usual time of the reading to the Assembly. 
The Commentaries are to be entered in a volume reserved for the 
purpose, with their date to show when delivered." 

He did not write out his sermons in full except on special occa- 
sions. His style was very peculiar and required the closest atten- 
tion of the hearer to understand him. The subjects of his sermons 
were often suggested by current events of the day and prefaced by 
texts as pertinent as they were odd. 

On the first Sunday after his ordination he selected for his text, 
Acts, 10th Chap., 29th verse, " I ask therefore for what intent ye 
have sent for me ? " Early in the War of 1812, our government 
saw fit to transfer the troops from our fort to the frontier. A 




THE EAST CHURCH, SALEM. 
From a lithograph made about I 845. 



BY JCTDGE JOSEPH G. WATERS Xlll 

measure, in his judgment, of questionable policy. He therefore 
sought to contrast this ill-judged order with the wise provision of 
the Israelites in distributing their forces to protect the Tabernacle. 
The words of his text were, " At Parbar westward, four at the 
causeway, and two at Parbar." I Chronicles, 26th Chap., 18th 
verse. 

He often ventured to discuss in the pulpit, some of the most 
exciting political problems of the day, and attacked long cherished 
opinions of many of his hearers with a freedom which sometimes 
overstepped true prudence. Yet so warm was their attachment to 
him, and so true and abiding their faith in him as a christian 
pastor, that many diametrically opposed to him politically, continued 
under his ministrations, amid that most bitter warfare of party 
politics, caused by those great national measures, the embargo and 
the Avar that followed it. 

On these subjects he was bold and uncompromising ; for his love 
of country was most intense and as he indentined with it a loyalty 
to the national government, he considered it a religious duty to 
advocate their measures freely and fearlessly. 

His devotional services were very impressive, and always con- 
tained some reference to important events, of a public or private 
nature, which had occurred during the preceding week. 

Our society being composed of seafaring people, there were fre- 
quent occasions for offering notes, for returning thanks for mercies 
received, as well as imploring blessings, the reading of them formed 
no inconsiderable part of the morning service. Coupled with this 
practice was a peculiar custom observed by him for many years of 
his early ministry, of making out a bulletin of the sick, stating their 
disease, and the stage of it reached by the patient. This was hung 
up in some conspicuous place in the house, for the purpose undoubt- 
edly of informing the society where their sympathy was called for 
and their benefactions could be applied. 

The founders of our society brought from the parent church the 
Bay State Psalm Book, and it was used here till sometime after the 
settlement of Mr. Diman, when he substituted for it Watts' Collec- 
tion. In November, 1788, Dr. Bentley exchanged it for a compila- 
tion made by himself, of more modern hymns with the addition of 
part of Tate and Brady's version of the Psalms. This was regarded 
as a great improvement, as it supplied a want that had been long 
felt by the Society, in having this part of our religious service brought 
more into harmony with the liberal and catholic spirit of Dr. Bent- 
ley's teachings. 

During the ministry of his immediate successor, Dr. Flint, the 
books had become so much dilapidated that a new edition was 
required. Dr. Flint, at the request of the society, in 1842 prepared 
the admirable collection now used by us and which contains a 
large part of Dr. Bentley's compilation. 



XIV BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 

Dr. Bentley had a great fondness for sacred music, and improved 
every occasion for cultivating a taste for singing among the young 
ladies of the society. He procured suitable teachers for them, 
attended their choir meetings, and frequently invited their classes 
to his room for practising. 

A few yet survive among us, who now take pleasure in remember- 
ing how his countenance lighted up while he stood listening to his 
favorite strains of Pleyel's Hymn, Denmark and Newburg. His ser- 
vices at the communion were solemn and impressive, and on these 
occasions there was a hymn sung of the Doctor's composition. It 
may not be out of place to remark, that until 1798, the church 
owned but one silver cup, which was probably the one formerly 
called a tankard and came into the possession of the parish in 1747 
under a process of distraint against W m Brown Esq r for nonpayment 
of taxes. Two pairs of silver cups were procured in 1799 and two 
flagons and two plates in 1800. 

In 1786, it was found impracticable to supply the office of deacons. 
It was therefore voted at a parish meeting in that year, that two 
persons be selected out of the church or congregation who shall be 
called wardens and whose duty it shall be to aid the minister in all 
matters involving the exercise of a discretionary power, in relation 
to church ordinances, or other matters. 

He was one of the pioneers in clearing the way for the introduc- 
tion of Unitarianism into this country and fearlessly defended it 
from the bitter assaults of all his ministerial brethren in the vicinity. 

He believed in the fatherhood of God and brotherhood of man. 
That, to be a true christian, one must deny himself and do all the 
good he can to others. He must seek out the sick, destitute and suf- 
fering, from whatever cause, relieve, instruct and elevate them. 
This was the Gospel which Christ proclaimed to him and which he 
delighted not only to preach, but to fulfil, and in accomplishing it 
was indeed a mighty evangelist. He despised all cant and hypocrisy 
in religion and was unsparing in denouncing a dissembler. 

The late Dr. James Freeman, of King's Chapel, Boston, was his 
classmate and lifelong friend, but their college attachments ripened 
into a mutual fraternal affection, when their minds came into full 
harmony on matters of a religious faith. Each of them emerged, 
about the same time, from the shadows of a cold and gloomy theol- 
ogy, into the clear sunlight of a liberal faith, and ever after, they 
shone with an undiminished lustre, as a bright constellation in our 
theological formation. He was the first minister to exchange with 
Dr. Freeman, and in his diary of Oct. 26 th , 1788, thus refers to it. 
" I exchanged with Mr. Freeman of the Kings Chapel, the first 
instance of this ministerial service between churches with and with- 
out Liturgies." 

In his earliest printed discourse, he thus portrays a true chris- 
tian. " When," says he, " a man is found, who does not profess 
much, nor despise all, who is pure from guile, peaceable in his life, 



BY JUDGE JOSEPH G. WATERS XV 

gentle in his manners, easily dissuaded from revenge, with a heart 
to pity and relieve the miserable, impartial in his judgment and 
without dissimulation, — this is the man of religion. This is an 
apostolic description of a good man ; and whatever opinions he may 
have, and he has a right to choose for himself, this man is after 
God's own heart." 

On another and later occasion, while ordaining a young brother 
to the ministry, he exhorts him to be ever zealous in good works, 
telling him " to be rather employed in one act of Charity, than 
expounding the whole Apocalypse." 

A few months after, on April 25, 1788, he writes to Dr. Freeman : 
" I have adopted many opinions abhorrent to my early prejudices, 
and am still ready to receive truth upon proper evidence, from 
whatever quarter it may come. I think more honor is done to God 
in rejecting Christianity itself, in obedience to my Convictions, 
than in any fervor, which is pretended towards it, and I hope that 
no poverty, which I can dread, or hope I can entertain, will weaken 
my resolution to act upon my Convictions. 

The only evidence I can have of my integrity is a good life and 
as to Faith, — his can't be wrong, whose life is in the Right. You 
are acquainted with my avowed disbelief in the Trinity or of any 
being who governs or influences human affairs, but God the Father, 
etc." 

Before Dr. Freeman's ordination, Dr. Bentley had been visited 
by Rev. Wm. Hazlitt, an Unitarian clergyman from England, and 
a friend of Dr. Priestley. Wm. Hazlitt, the author, was his son 
and was born during his father's residence in this country,* which 
extended through two years. Mr. Hazlitt was the guest of Dr. 
Bentley and occasionally supplied his desk. He also preached at 
the First Church, as well as the North Church, in this town, but he 
failed to please either of them, as they were not prepared to receive 
his views of Christianity. While in Salem he compiled Priestley's 
catechism, which was adopted by Dr. Bentley as a substitute for 
the Westminster catechism which had been in use in our society 
from its foundation. 

After leaving Salem, Mr. Hazlitt, removed to Hallowell, Maine, 
where he made an ineffectual attempt to establish an Unitarian 
church, then returned to Boston, and after preaching there a short 
time, embarked for England and afterwards settled at Wem, in 
Shropshire. 

Dr. Bentley' s bosom was filled with kindness towards all who 
needed aid of any kind, and in administering it he never stopped 
to inquire to what society they belonged ; it was sufficient to know 
that they lived within the old parish lines; he hastened to their 
relief, ascertained their wants, then sought out some parishioner 
who could supply them, for he had a carte blanche for all such 
purposes. 

*Born at Maidstone, England, April 10, 1778. Nat. Diet, of Biog. 



XVI BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 

He regarded the whole eastern section of the town as a diocese 
over which he had an exclusive jurisdiction and whenever there was 
occasion, this " Man of Ross " would be found in all weather bent 
on his mission of mercy, laden with articles of comfort for the sick 
and destitute. 

The children throughout the parish eagerly sought to pay him 
obeisance and were recognized by him with some token of his 
regard. 

" They gladly followed, with endearing wile, 

To pluck his gown and share the good man's smile." 

In his daily walks among his parishioners, he noticed every 
change going on about their dwellings, and upon his return home, 
referred to it in his diary. He also learned the arrival and depar- 
ture of every vessel belonging to them, which were likewise thus 
noted. I have seen several pages of his daily record thus filled 
with notices of new buildings, and repaired ones, also names of ves- 
sels and their masters, their tonnage, time of sailing and place of 
destination. One of his entries contained the names of twenty-one 
sea captains, belonging to his society, then absent at sea. 

There was not a single vessel launched here during his ministry 
which was not seen by him and referred to in his diary. Upon 
the arrival of any intimate friend, he would be welcomed in it by 
some appropriate greeting often indited in Latin or French. 

He took a peculiar interest in our military institutions and 
always attended military musters of which he made mention both 
in his journal and the newspaper he had charge of. He was an 
enrolled member of the military company in his ward, attended 
their meetings regularly, and often served on their committees. 
On more than one occasion while witnessing a parade, he was hon- 
ored by a marching salute of the troops under the order of their 
commanding officer. 

The various charitable associations in this town always found 
in him a zealous friend and supporter. I can hardly doubt that it 
was principally owing to his suggestion and labors, that the East 
India Marine Society had its origin and support for many years. 
Its first board of officers was composed of his personal friends, and 
some of them were his most influential parishioners. He prepared 
its first articles of association and was its leading counsellor for 
many years. His collection of curiosities was the foundation of 
their valuable museum, which has been so long one of the chief 
attractions of strangers to our city. He usually furnished its mem- 
bers on their departure for foreign ports, with the localities where 
valuable specimens might be found, and with prepared directions 
for preserving them. 

The Marine Society had been in operation for many years before 
Dr. Bentley came here, but as its principal members belonged to the 



BY JUDGE JOSEPH G. WATERS XV11 

East Parish, lie soon became interested in its charitable objects, 
and at one time when its resources were nearly exhausted, made an 
eloquent appeal to the public in its behalf, which was successful in 
renewing its means of usefulness. 

Masonry was another subject to which he gave great attention. 
I find several references in his diaries to proceedings of meetings 
held at his house by officers of lodges. He was very often called 
upon to deliver masonic addresses in other places and many of 
them have been published. 

Being so alive to every thing affecting the business and happi- 
ness of his parishioners, he was drawn into intimate relations with 
them and his visits among them were of the most cordial, familiar 
character. Every day in the week found him enjoying their hos- 
pitality and wherever he went he was met with a hearty welcome 
both from the young and old. He usually retired at an early hour, 
but until its arrival, he kept up such a constant outpouring of 
quaint remarks, amusing anecdotes, and instructive hints, from his 
richly stored mind, that the regret for the parting guest was as 
deeply felt as had been the welcome for the coming one. 

During the summer months, a week seldom passed without his 
inviting a company of young ladies on an excursion to the seaside, 
to gather marine plants or shells, of which he made a study, in- 
structing them in the character and uses of each specimen. 

Natural history was one of his favorite studies, and his researches 
in it were perhaps quite as extensive as those of any student of that 
day. Among his manuscripts will be found frequent references to 
rare plants and animals which had been subjected to his examina- 
tion. Seldom was a strange fish caught in our neighboring waters, 
which was not preserved and sent to him to be named. 

The collection of coins and rare books was another of his favorite 
pursuits, and to gratify him in these respects was a leading object 
of every ship-master of o\ir parish who went abroad. Scarcely a 
vessel arrived that did not bring valuable contributions to his cabi- 
net or library, so that some of his collections were indeed very rare 
and valuable and often consulted by every virtuoso in the neigh- 
borhood. 

The coins were mostly transmitted to his friend, Judge Winthrop 
of Cambridge. All the specimens in natural history thus furnished 
were suitably arranged in their respective classes, and upon the es- 
tablishment of the East India Marine Society, made an important 
addition to its valuable museum. 

He was a man of the most indefatigable industry. Rising at a 
very early hour in the morning, he took his accustomed walk upon 
the Neck, to enjoy, upon his favorite hill, the picturesque view 
there presented to the eye. It is near the upper fort, and was, for 
many years, distinguished by a brick monument erected by one of 
his parishioners in commemoration of the seat he had selected. 



XV111 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 

He then returned to his study and entered upon the duties of the 
day, the first of which, on Monday, was writing the two sermons 
for the next Sabbath, and he seldom left the room till they were 
completed. He was very careful to prepare new discourses as he 
disliked to repeat one. In reference to this, he writes on one occa- 
sion, " I preached two old sermons, with as great apprehension of 
guilt, and as much confusion, as though I had stolen from my 
neighbors. It is the fault, in this case, that by a violation we get 
hardened, God forgive me." 

His discourses being finished, he attended to his correspondents 
who were quite numerous, both in this country and abroad, and if 
he could find a spare hour before dinner he devoted it to a call on 
some friend. In the afternoon he spent one or two hours in reading 
Greek. 

The other days in the week were similarly improved by him, 
varied only by the substitution of other writings for the sermons. 
Part of every Tuesday he appropriated for the reading of French ; 
of every Wednesday, Latin ; every Thursday, Spanish and Italian ; 
Friday, German, Dutch, Slavonian and their kindred dialects ; 
Saturday to philology, in relation to the versions and texts of the 
Hebrew and Greek sacred scriptures. 

He read with facility more than twenty different languages, and 
was very familiar with Latin, Greek, Hebrew, Arabic and Persian. 
He wrote and spoke in most of the popular languages of Europe. 
The credentials of the Tunisian Ambassador were sent from Wash- 
ington to be translated by him. 

In glancing over one of his manuscripts I found quotations from 
several of the ancient languages, especially Hebrew, written in a 
style of singular elegance. 

During each week, he prepared a record of all the marriages, 
births, baptisms and deaths, which had occurred in the parish, and 
it was filled with the most minute details. In the report of deaths, 
he gave the sex, parentage, age, residence, employment, condition of 
deceased, and every other circumstance peculiar to the case. The 
marriage report was equally as circumstantial. At the end of the 
year, each of these was collected into tables, classified and entered 
in books prepared for the purpose. He also made similar but sep- 
arate summaries of baptisms attended by him during the year. 

In addition to all these great drafts on his industry and patience, 
he contributed to the Gazette at first, and afterwards to the Regis- 
ter, newspapers in this town, nearly two columns of closely printed 
matter, twice a week for nearly thirty years. They were made up 
of news-items and various departments of human knowledge, col- 
lected by him from the foreign and home journals of the day, and 
were regarded as prodigies of learning and labor. In allusion to 
them, President Adams in one of his letters to Dr. Bentley, play- 
fully salutes him as "Doctor of Physics, Dr. of Philosophy, Dr. of 
Laws, and D. D." 



BY JUDGE JOSEPH G. WATERS XIX 

Nor was this all. Beside the diaries to which I have referred, 
he kept constantly by him, a note book, in which he recorded his 
criticisms of new publications, &c. These manuscripts filled thir- 
ty-two bound volumes, most of them in a folio form, thirteen of 
them being diaries, in which he daily entered all events referring 
to him, personally, or to the parish.* But amid all these occupa- 
tions he found time to fulfil all his pastoral duties with the most 
remarkable punctuality and fidelity. 

He devoted two afternoons every month to the catechising of 
the children. At one time he delivered to his parishioners a course 
of lectures on English grammar and geography. He was a member 
of the school committee for many years, and on one occasion took 
charge of one of the public schools and taught it for several weeks 
during a vacancy occuring by the resignation of the teacher. 

For many } r ears he furnished his friend and correspondent, Pro- 
fessor Ebeling of Hamburg, with materials for his great work on 
the History and Geography of the United States, one volume of 
which is dedicated to William Bentley. The papers, thus furnished 
by Mr. Bentley, form a large part of the Ebeling Collection, now 
deposited in Harvard College Library through the liberality of 
Israel Thorndike Esq r of Boston, by whom they were purchased in 
Europe, in 1818. 

During the time when the public mind was much excited here in 
favor of inoculation against the spread of the small-pox, hospitals 
were established in different parts of the town. The one on the Neck, 
he visited every Sunday afternoon, after the church service was 
concluded, and preached to the patients. There is a series of his 
manuscripts endorsed by him, " inoculation service." There were 
found at his decease, thirty -five hundred sermons which are now 
deposited in Tufts College Library. 

♦List of the Rev. William Bentley Manuscripts in the possession of the American 
Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Mass. 

Correspondence by and with Dr. Bentley, 4 volumes, folio. 

Documents and family papers of early Salem, with numerous Bentley letters, 1 volume, 
folio. 

Miscellaneous manuscripts by William Bentley, in a portfolio. 

List of books belonging to William Bentley, 1 volume. 

Rules in grammar for modern European languages, 1 volume. 

Note book for the study of the French language , 1 volume. 

Notes of natural history, 1 volume. 

Rules in mathematics, etc., 1 volume. 

Notes largely relating to ornithology and natural history, 1 volume. 

Commentaries, etc., on the Scriptures, 2 volumes. 

Note book on educational matters, 1816, 1 volume. 

Text book for the study of natural history, 1800, 1 volume. 

Reviews and criticisms, on works read, 2 volumes. 

Original and detached thoughts referring to authors and their works, 6 volumes. 

Meteorological observations, Salem, 1804-1817, with general statistical notes relating 
to the United States during the years 1806-1811, 2 volumes. 

Day book of personal and church accounts, 1795-1819, 3 volumes. 

Day book containing record of events in the East parish, Salem,— births, deaths, re- 
movals, etc., beginning April 29, 1784. Also events, political and occasional, 1 volume. 

Book of daily occurences or diary, recording personal experiences, remarkable events, 
deaths, information relative to Salem and vicinity, observations on the weather, tides, 
shipping news, etc., etc., April, 1785-Dec. 1819, 11 volumes. 



XX BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCH 

His open heart and familiar acquaintance with foreign languages, 
were often the means of introducing to him many strangers, who. 
were then attracted to this country. Among them was that illustrious 
statesman, Albert Gallatin, a native of Geneva. When he came 
here he was but 19 years of age. After serving for a short time as, 
a private soldier in our army he went to the Province of Maine in 
search of employment, but failing in his object he started for Bos- 
ton. While on his way there he stopped over night in this town. 
He was quite destitute and sought an introduction to Mr. Bentley 
and made known to him his wants which were promptly relieved. 
Mr. Bentley's influence secured for Mr. Gallatin, an appointment as 
French instructor in Harvard College. After leaving there, Mr. 
Gallatin settled in Pennsylvania, and rose in rapid succession to 
the highest offices of trust and honor in the country. He died at 
Altona, New York, in 1849. 

At another time a priest of the Roman Church in Boston, ad- 
dressed a letter to Mr. Bentley, soliciting his aid in procuring a 
suitable hall here where the writer might give a lecture explanatory 
of the rites and doctrines of his church. Mr. Bentley at once 
found a suitable place for the purpose, invited the stranger to his 
house and kept him as a guest for several days, much to the horror 
and indignation of many of the religious community here. 

Bigotry or intolerance never actuated him in dispensing courte- 
sies of either social intercourse or ecclesiastical proprieties. Adopt- 
ing the catholic sentiment of his favorite political teacher, that 
" errors of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left free to 
combat them," he gladly welcomed to his pulpit all christians of 
every name, sect, or color. 

I have heard discourses there from a Methodist, Calvinist, Pres- 
byterian, Baptist, and Episcopalian, of Scotch, English and African 
nativities. 

" Toiling in the Earthly vineyard 
Many bands have found a place ! 
Some are nearing to the Summit, 
Some are at the Mountain's base." 

His political affinities and extensive learning brought him into 
full sympathy with many of the leading statesmen and scholars of 
Virginia. The late President Jefferson, and Bishop Madison, 
evinced the highest appreciation of his character. During the ad- 
ministration of the former gentleman, Dr. Bentley was selected as 
the candidate for the chaplaincy in Congress but he declined that 
office. 

Sometime later, when Mr. Jefferson was maturing his plans for 
establishing the University of Virginia, which was incorporated in 
1819, he consulted him about it and tendered to him the honor of 
its Presidency. But he refused all these honors on the ground 



BY JUDGE JOSEPH G. WATERS XXI 

that " he had been so long wedded to the East Church, he could 
not think of asking a Divorce from it." 

The honor of a Doctorate in Divinity was conferred by Harvard 
University upon him, a few months before his decease. It came too 
late to heal the wounded feelings of Dr. Bentley, in being so long 
overlooked by his Alma Mater and too late for her to enjoy the ben- 
efit of the will he had made in her favor. 

Piqued by her tardy acknowledgment of his claims, he had, a 
short time before, revoked the bequest made to her, and given 
all his valuable books, manuscripts, and rare curiosities, to Alle- 
ghany College at Meadville, and the American Antiquarian Society 
at Worcester. The College received his theological and classical 
books and was made richer in that department than any other 
institution in the West. The trustees immediately caused a build- 
ing to be erected, which was to be called Bentley Hall, in honor 
of his memory. On the 5 th of July, 1820, its corner stone was laid 
covering a plate on which this name was inscribed. But the College 
soon fell into other hands and the library and the building have 
lost all association with the name of the illustrious donor. 

Fortunately for his memory, a better fate attended his bequest 
to the Antiquarian Society. Upon the receipt of his valuable gifts 
the Society passed resolutions recognizing the great learning and 
talents of Dr. Bentley and the inestimable value of this contribu- 
tion to their library, and a suitable acommodation was provided 
for them in alcoves superscribed with his name. 

In this collection are many rare Persian, Arabic and Chinese 
manuscripts, scarce pamphlets, choice works of art, and a mass of 
correspondence which the Doctor maintained with the eminent 
scholars and statesmen of his day among whom were the Ex-Presi- 
dents J. Adams, Jefferson and Madison. 

Dr. Bentley died very suddenly of an attack of angina pectoris, 
on the evening of the 29 th December, 1819, immediately after return- 
ing from a visit. 

He was buried from the meeting-house, where appropriate relig- 
ious services were observed and an eloquent tribute was paid to his 
memory by Edward Everett, then professor of Greek literature in 
Harvard University. 




REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY. 



From a silhouette made about 1815 and now in the possession 
of the Essex Institute. 



AN ADDKESS ON KEV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 

By Marguerite Dalrtmple, 
written when in her 87th tear. 



Miss Dalrymple first gave this address from memory, without 
notes, Nov. 26, 1897, before the Woman's Alliance of the Second 
Church, Salem, Mass. She was in the East Church, which then 
stood at the corner of Essex and Hardy Streets, on that Sunday 
when Dr. Bentley closed the service and started for Marblehead to 
help save the frigate Constitution. 



Would that it were in the power of the writer to do justice to the 
life and character of the distinguished citizen, the erudite scholar, 
the enlightened patriot, and the broad-minded philanthropist who 
was for thirty-six eventful and trying years, the faithful and devoted 
pastor of the East Church. 

He came to Salem a young man,endowed with uncommon powers, 
a student of a rare stamp, and a student, ardent and industrious, he 
remained through life. He believed the Scripture " If the truth 
make you free, you shall be free indeed," and he sought for truth, 
he sought for knowledge, in all directions, through the domains of 
nature, of science, of literature and of art. He was a fine linguist 
and even at that early day, was the only good Arabic scholar in the 
United States. He sought for truth in the Orient and found 
much, long before " The Light of Asia " appeared. 

As a citizen he identified himself with the town in all its inter- 
ests. It was then divided into two school districts by what is now 
called Washington street. The school-houses were one story wood- 
en buildings. 

Soon after he came a sad event proved the quality of his citizenship. 
The master of the lower school suddenly died, and the school commit- 
tee directed the school to be closed. As soon as he heard of it, he went 
to the committee to protest against the closing of the school. To 
this it was replied that it must be as they had no teacher for it. He 
said " Gentlemen have the school opened in the morning. I will 
teach it till you can provide a suitable teacher." The report, spread 
with almost electric rapidity, that Parson Bentley was going to 
teach them, brought every boy, next morning, promptly at the hour 
for opening, where they found him at the school-house waiting for 
them. After saluting them he walked into it, not amidst a mob of 
rushing boys, but at the head of quite an orderly procession. 



XXIV AN ADDRESS 

His style of dress, severely plain, had often attracted their notice. 
His silver cuff-buttons, knee-buckles and shoe-buckles were articles 
of use not ornament. The long academic robe with its ample 
sleeves, the broad-brimmed hat, shelter alike from sun and rain, the 
snow-white minister's band around his neck, and his nice hands, 
were objects of remark, but his grace of motion, and elegance and 
affability of manner, captured their unbounded admiration. Above 
all, his cheerfulness of look, tone and word, changed the atmosphere 
of that school-room entirely. It was no longer a prison and its 
discipline a torture. Work was no longer weariness. 

He was an ideal teacher. Before commencing the routine work, 
he spoke to the boys of the dignity of their human nature, the grand 
powers of the mind, in which consisted their likeness to the Infinite 
God, their Heavenly Father. That to cultivate the mind, which is 
our duty and ought to be our pleasure, would increase and beautify 
this Divine likeness. 

The boys stood straighter and looked taller. They had never 
heard of this august relationship before, nor of its obligations. 
Their work commenced. The boys noticed how carefully he 
handled the book which was passed to him. He opened to the page 
of the reading lesson. He spoke to them of the writer, of the time 
when he lived, of the subject and its purport, and then, with all the 
magic of his rhetorical power, he read it to them. Was this read- 
ing? They had never heard anything like it. It was alive, invested 
with a charm they never dreamed of. Then he went through the 
lesson, paragraph by paragraph, pointing to the difLoult words, 
showing how they were spelled, how pronounced, and then sent 
them to study. They had never studied so before. Oh ! if they 
could only attain to the grace of this accomplished scholar. The boys 
surprised themselves if they did not surprise their teacher, when 
they read the lesson. 

Grammar was not included in the curriculum of the three It's. No 
one heard the words orthography, etymology, or syntax, but every 
spelling and reading lesson gave opportunity for much instruction. 
He made them go over their spelling lessons aloud with him, before 
studying them, and explained to them how one letter had power 
over another and could nullify it ; for instance how that h, though 
only a breath, could, when coming after p, utterly deprive it of its 
sound, and compel it to a partnership where both letters should 
assume anew name f, as in the word philosophy. He never per- 
mitted them to stumble blindly over the lesson, which had a new 
interest every time, because of the new and important instruction 
he gave them. Before every lesson in arithmetic, he explained its 
utility and the necessity of mastering it, if the scholar desired, as 
he ought, to possess the power of knowledge. How important this 
was in all great operations, and that hands, with educated brains to 
direct them, did and always could, accomplish wonders. In proof 



BY MARGUERITE DALRYMPLE XXV 

he would adduce the glories of Egypt, Greece and Korue. No day 
passed without its excursion, if brief, into some broad held of time 
or space. No one, in those days, heard of ethical culture, but when- 
ever was there more thorough moral training than there was then in 
that East parish school-house? 

There were no more poutings, tears, obstinacy or truancy, — of 
course there were no more punishments. His government was by 
reason, not by force. The boys recognized him as their friend, 
always kind and helpful. 

During their writing lessons after giving them general directions 
as to their position, placing their books, holding their pens, &c, he 
would be going from desk to desk, mending pens and giving advice. 
His cheerful and hopeful look, his smile of encouragement, were 
inspirations to effort. 

When the new teacher came, the school was in admirable order 
and discipline. He did not separate from his boys nor from his 
interest in their progress and welfare. He had been their faithful 
and affectionate teacher and they were his grateful, admiring and 
devoted friends through life. Who can measure the power of his 
influence ? Those boys became able, energetic and useful men, and 
the success of their lives, with deepest and most heartfelt gratitude, 
they were proud to ascribe to their beloved friend and teacher, 
Parson Bentley. 

Salem being an important seaport, the young lads' ambition was 
to seek their fortune on the high seas, to ascend from cabin boy to 
captain and perhaps to merchant. 

He knew well all the vessels, their ports of destination, and the 
young people going in them. He would have talks with them about the 
countries to which they were going, their productions, their peoples, 
their governments, their places on the scale of civilization, and the 
opportunities to increase their stock of useful knowledge, and he 
would ask them to bring him something from these places, an old 
book if they could get it, and when the vessels came back, his young 
friends would bring him mementos of their travels, often rare curi- 
osities. These were carefully placed in his cabinet which, at the 
time of his death, was richly stored with a most valuable collection. 
This cabinet, with all his paintings and engravings, he left by his 
will to the American Antiquarian Society at Worcester. He left 
also to this Society his German books, and his manuscripts, not of 
his own hand. He left to Meadville, then in its struggling infan- 
cy, his classical and professional books, nearly seven hundred 
volumes. What a bequest ! And how serviceable it must have 
been to that institution. It is truly wonderful that he managed to 
obtain a library, so large and so valuable, when we take into view 
the smallness of his income. 

He was settled at a salary of a thousand dollars a year, but he 
had such sympathy for the embarrassments of his people in the 



XXVI AN ADDRESS 

troublous times, that he receipted in full for eight hundred dollars. 
He must have restricted his personal expenses very much to enable 
him to do the works of charity which were unintermitted. 

No pastor was ever more closely united to his parish ; no parish 
was ever more closely united to its pastor. His church was indeed his 
family and he held the most cordial relations with it. 

His calls on his parishioners were not perfunctory matters which 
must be performed so many times in the year, short, ceremonious 
and stately, with the lucky escapement of a card when the lady of 
the house happened to be absent. No indeed ! He carried his 
heart full of kindest interest in their weal or woe. 

In order to understand his noble work as a pastor, it must be 
remembered that he came to Salem just after the revolutionary 
army was disbanded. That army had, through terrible sufferings, 
achieved the independence of their country. They had freed it 
from its galling foreign yoke. They and the rest of the people had 
now a country whose peace, whose freedom, had been attained 
through their self-sacrificing heroism. They had, too, a Congress. 
It had done nobly in the past, sustaining the country through the 
long and exhausting war, but it could do nothing now to show how 
highly the services of this grand army were appreciated. It had 
no power to levy a tax. It could not by that means raise a dollar. 
Let us bear in mind that the country's foreign debt for means to 
carry on the war was fifty-four millions of dollars and their domes- 
tic or state debt was twenty-five millions. All that the Congress 
could do was done. It gave to the brave and victorious army cer- 
tificates of the country's indebtedness and its promise to pay as 
soon as able. These men returned with their certificates to homes 
depleted by eight years' struggles. They needed sustenance, and 
what is so imperative as want ? Under the stress of hard circum- 
stances, they, like Esau, sold to greedy and far-sighted speculators, 
for a few shillings, the hard-earned recompense their certificates 
would have entitled them to receive, and had the added aggrava- 
tion to see these men pile up fortunes on them. 

The good pastor's broad mind and generous heart grasped the 
situation. These men must be sustained and encouraged in these 
times that tried men's souls. But did they not try the women's also ? 
In the most disastrous conditions their fortitude stood firm to sus- 
tain the men's courage. The good pastor resolved that, with the 
aid of the heroic women, their poverty, though it might depress, 
should not degrade them. That they should feel by the respect 
shown them that their great and hard sufferings in the cause of 
liberty were gratefully appreciated. He would call at the house of one 
of the poorest of his flock some fine morning to say that " if the lady 
would not be specially engaged, he would like to take tea with her 
and her family that afternoon. And when the proud and grateful 
lady would reply that he would be most welcome, he would say, 



BY MARGUERITE DALRYMPLE XXV11 

" My dear Madam, will you do me the favor to invite so and so," 
mentioning the names of six or eight of his unfortunate parishion- 
ers, to which she would reply, " Certainly sir," and after the parting 
salutation would retire to plan how to provide for the entertainment. 
If she happened to have corn meal, potatoes and a little piece of pork, 
it would be an easy matter, for shores were clean then and Nep- 
tune's domains unpolluted and abounding in fish. Some of her 
family or neighbors would go out and in a short time bring her 
an ample supply of fish for her to fry for supper. This with her 
nice potatoes and corn cakes, — for which some dear mother, sister 
or friend would bring butter, — would make a feast for Olympus. 
If some one should bring a basket of apples to grace her hospitable 
board what need would there have been of gold or silver cake. 

While she was planning, a basket was brought by the grocer's 
man with the dear pastor's best respects, containing an abundance 
for the party, plenty of baker's flour loaves, and pans of gingerbread, 
butter and cheese, tea and sugar, a big salt fish, and last not least, 
pipes and tobacco. Here was everything really necessary, provid- 
ed by the pastor's kind and thoughtful generosity, but she would 
not give up her own hospitable plan, her nice fried fish, potatoes and 
corn cakes. When the supper was ready, so appetizing and nice, 
was there not a feast, not for the stomach merely, but for the heart 
and brain ? 

Every one tried with kindest courtesy to make it a happy occa- 
sion to all and conversation was kept up in cheery, lively tones. 
The pastor and company came at two o'clock in the afternoon and 
he met them so graciously, so cheerfully, he put them all at ease. 
There was no patronizing condescension on his part. All, by his 
cordial courtesy, were on his level. He was an admirable question- 
er and knew how to elicit from each the thrilling tales of past 
experience. One story would follow another, keeping interest keen- 
ly alive and whiling away the hours till ten o'clock came, the good 
pastor then going home richer with the knowledge gained from 
their books of life and happier because he had witnessed their 
enjoyment, and thej'', gratified beyond measure by the frank and 
respectful sociability of the dear pastor and the cordial hospitality 
of their host and hostess. Could any club do better ? 

There were no parish houses then, but the good pastor had away 
of building them as beautiful as it was unique. He had so faith- 
fully preached the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man, 
that the well-to-do people of his parish felt that these pastor's par- 
ties, as they were called, which were of frequent occurence, ought 
not to be managed and sustained by him alone. They felt too, that 
the freedom, the peace, and security of their homes they owed to 
these unfortunate brothers and that they ought to assume their 
share of the country's indebtedness. So they were glad to enter 
into their pastor's plans for social gatherings. 



XXV111 AN ADDRESS 

There were a goodly number of merchants and seafaring men in 
his congregation amply able to provide. He would call at one of 
their houses some fine morning to inquire, as before, if the lady of 
the house would be disengaged that afternoon as he would like to 
take tea with her and her family. And when the lady assured him 
she would be most happy to receive his visit he would suggest the 
names of some very unfortunate, saying he would like to meet them, 
if she would be so kind as to invite them. The lady and her hus- 
band could think of more and were richly repaid for their thought- 
fulness by their dear pastor's evident gratification at seeing so large 
a party. 

Sometimes the gentlemen and ladies of his parish gathered 
together a large number of his flock, of which he had no intimation 
until he received his invitation. These parties were great social 
helps in those trying times. They were not only a means of better 
acquaintance but of a better estimation and of mutual assistance. 
They truly promoted the spirit of the " Lend-a-Hand Clubs." They 
were, in a manner, lyceums where the momentous topics of the day 
were freely discussed, and the pastor, from his ample stores of 
knowledge, could hold up the solemn lessons of history to throw 
light on present events and their tendencies and to teach that 
equity and brotherly love should rule in men's hearts and lives. 

There were no hospitals then, no Society of Associated Charities, 
no King's Daughters, but this good pastor, aided by the willing 
hearts and open hands of his parish, formed an effective commis- 
sariat in every emergency. He had but to give a few items to the 
lady of the house to which he had gone for aid, ending with, " My 
dear Madam, your own benevolent heart will know better than I 
could suggest what is required in this case." Three or four such 
calls would open as many depots of relief which would fully pro- 
vide what was necessary and more. He gave to all who were able 
to contribute, the privilege of the opportunity to join in these 
works of mercy, and it did not matter whether this case of need 
was in their own parish or belonged to the great congregation of 
the unchurched outside. No words could do justice to his gentle 
kindness to the sick, the suffering or the afflicted, nor how like the 
bright sunshine were his visits, nor what peace of God his benedic- 
tion left with them. 

He took much outdoor exercise and went down to the " Neck " 
for a constitutional every day when not stormy, and he frequently 
was the first to spy returning vessels. Capt. George Crowninshield, 
a highly esteemed parishioner had a tower built for him on the 
highest hill. It had a square base of granite masonry but the tower 
was of brick and wood. It had a set of plank steps, set into the 
masonry, winding to the top which was a heavy plank floor. A flag- 
staff was firmly inserted in this and from it the flag, telling of the 
safe arrival of some expected vessel, floated at the top, or drooped 



BY MARGUERITE DALRYMPLE XXIX 

at half-staff giving notice of sorrowful news impending. Grateful 
to his young friend for this testimony of respect and affection, the 
good pastor, spyglass in hand, delighted to climb to the top to 
seek for good news from the Ocean. This edifice, called " Bentley's 
Rock." remained for some years, but a vandalism, inexcusable 
among boys, doomed it to destruction and scattered the bricks and 
stones after they had battered them down so that not a trace is left 
of the tower which gave such pleasure to the good Pastor and was 
so serviceable to the community as a lookout and which, could it 
have been left, would have been a memento of the affectionate pas- 
torship of a hundred years ago. 

At last after weary waiting we had a government, and the sec- 
ond Congress under Washington's administration adopted Hamil- 
ton's noble and equitable plan for settling the Nation's affairs, — a 
plan as just as it appeared to be generous. The government 
assumed the indebtedness of the individual states as well as of the 
United States and its paper rose immediately from two shillings 
and sixpence to twenty shillings in the pound, giving an impetus to 
enterprise unexampled before. Commerce started into energetic 
life and the dear pastor had a season of heartfelt rejoicing with his 
flock, so long depressed. Our ships were on every sea and when 
hostilities broke out between Great Britain and France, they had 
the carrying trade of the world and reaped a rich harvest of profits. 
This prosperity was not, however, to last long. The first note of 
trouble ahead was the British order in council declaring a blockade 
of French ports from the Elbe to Brest. This was retaliated by 
the French decree blockading the British Islands. Every one of 
our vessels which should attempt to run the blockade would be in 
danger of capture and confiscation. Not only in this time of fear 
and grief for the loved ones of whose fate they were ignorant, 
did his parish realize the faithful service of their pastor, but in the 
dreary and discouraging time when between British orders in 
council, French decrees, our own embargos, and, last not least, the 
Non-Intercourse Act, our vessels, not captured, lay mouldering at 
the wharves. His heroic service in sustaining his people's courage, 
stood side by side with his noble efforts to allay the bitterness of 
party strife between two great political parties. The Federalists 
advocating a consolidated government, and the Republicans main- 
taining the individual sovereignty of the States. 

Dr. Bentley was a Republican, earnest and steadfast, and he 
energetically, by tongue and pen, maintained the principles of his 
party and showed to the people the warnings to the future by the 
lessons of the past. He furnished the foreign summary and the 
leading editorial to the Essex Register, then the emphatic voice of 
truth and reason for the County. During the time immediately 
preceding, and through the war of 1812, how faithfully he por- 
trayed the dignity of patience, the heroism of fortitude, when the 



XXX AN ADDRESS 

aggressive arrogance of the British claiming the right of search 
caused a thrill of indignation throughout the land. He stood 
among his people like a prophet of old, guarding them against de- 
spondency and heralding victory and success by the light of reason 
in his steady lamp of hope. 

Towards the close of the war, a British force under Gen. Ross 
sailed up the Chesapeake, landed, and perpetrated its disgraceful 
outrage on our new capital, Washington, by burning its public 
buildings, and then turned northward to commit further deeds of de- 
struction. All hearts trembled for Baltimore whither they were 
bound. The troops stationed there, aided by the militia, forced 
them to retire with the loss, among many others, of Gen. Ross who 
was killed in the battle. The good news was brought to Salem on 
Sunday. A gentleman entered the front door of the East Church, 
in the middle of the sermon and walked toward the pulpit. Dr. 
Bentley stopped and leaned forward, saying, "What news, Sir?" 
On receiving the answer he stretched up his arms at full length, 
exclaiming in loud exulting tones, " Glory to God, Glory to God, 
Baltimore is saved !" At this the joyful exclamations of the 
people filled the house with a mighty sound and pastor and people, 
moved by one impulse, hastened out to hear the full account of 
the glad tidings. 

On another Sunday, in the middle of the service, one of the 
parish, Capt. George Crowninshield, came to the western end win- 
dow, which was in the pew of Deacon James Brown, and told him 
of the rumor that the Constitution was in Marblehead harbor, in 
danger of capture by two British cruisers. Dr. Bentley stopped at 
once to inquire " Mr. Brown, is there any news ?" And when the 
news was reported he said, " This is a time for action not words, 
let us go to do what we can to save the Constitution and may God 
be with us, Amen." Seizing his hat he rushed out with the men, each 
resolved to do and dare his utmost. A highly esteemed member of 
his parish, Capt. Joseph Perkins, was keeper of the light on Baker's 
island. He was a most skilful pilot and knew every rock, shoal 
and channel of the locality. He saw the Constitution's peril and 
resolved to save her as he alone could. He went to her in his little 
boat and assumed his duty as pilot. The tide was at ebb and the 
commander of the frigate seeing the shoal water in the little chan- 
nels through which the pilot was steering the precious vessel, so 
dear to the country and to him, was dismayed at the risk. How- 
ever, the pilot persevered till he had brought her into a safe place 
under the protection of our forts. What a thanksgiving there was 
over this heroic feat of her salvation by our brave and skilful 
townsman. 

The first Catholics in Salem were French people, refugees from 
British tyranny. They were few in number and poor. Bishop 
Cheverus came, as soon as he heard of them, to their relief. They 



BY MARGUERITE DALRYMPLE XXXI 

needed care and they needed sympathy. There were no travelling 
conveniences then and in cases of emergency he could not get or 
send to them in time. They must have help near at hand. To whom 
should he apply ? There were St. Peter's Episcopal and two other 
Orthodox churches all having the same creed as his. He did not 
go them. He went to the young pastor, so liberal in his belief and 
preaching, who was the first preacher of liberal Christianity in 
Salem and by these Orthodox people called an infidel. Through 
that mysterious telegraphy of God, by which great souls know and 
appreciate each other, he came to him in perfect confidence that 
there would be no attempts to proselyte them. Faithfully did the 
good pastor care for these unfortunate people. He spoke French 
like a Parisian and how glad were they in their own tongue to tell 
the story of their sorrows to this good friend and how they appre- 
ciated his kind and sympathetic visits, charitable in every sense of 
the word. His respectful sympathy won their hearts and they 
loved him as they did their good Bishop and no friendship was 
ever more sacred and sincere, more honorable and heartfelt, than 
that between the good Catholic Bishop and our beloved pastor. 

Eeturning from a constitutional after the sunset of a bitterly 
cold Saturday afternoon he saw, on Court street, then our market 
for hay and country wood, a man pacing back and forth by a 
wood cart, disheartened by cold and disappointment. The only 
thing to help was to buy the wood, which he did, telling the man to 
lay the wood carefully by the sidewalk so as not to impede the foot 
passengers or to interfere with the cart road, because it could not 
be taken care of till Monday morning. The Doctor was busy in 
some study about midnight when he heard some one at the wood. 
Carefully covering his light he looked through an orifice in the 
window shutter and saw to his astonishment a woman going down 
the opposite street with a log of wood in her arms. She went into 
the yard of a house where lived a man degraded by intemperance. 
In a few minutes she returned for another log. In a short time she 
came again for another, looking cautiously around each time to be 
sure that no one was on the street to see her. The good man 
stood spellbound at his post of observation. She came out again 
but not empty handed. She was bringing back one of the logs. 
After depositing it on the pile she hurried back with flying feet for 
another and another, throwing down the last with force as if to 
say, " I have not stolen, I have not taken what does not belong to 
me," and she walked away down the street with proud steps. The 
good pastor was profoundly impressed by this battle between temp- 
tation and conscience. How it was decided by the victorious con- 
science he could not know. The time which must elapse before he 
could send relief to her seemed long to him. Early on Monday 
morning he went to the wood wharf and bought a load of wood for 
her, charging the teamster to say to her inquiry that it was sent by 



XXX11 AN ADDRESS 

a friend. Shortly after the wood, came a supply of groceries with 
the same message. He told the story of the great battle and 
signal victory of that dreary Saturday night, so honorable to the 
poor woman, to a few ladies of his parish and enlisted their hearty 
sympathy so that relief came to her in many ways. 

In those hard times of hard thinking and hard work, amusements 
had little scope. The idea of picnics had not dawned. The pastor's 
parties were for adults and elderly people in which children did not 
mingle. The pastor felt that children must be attended to. He must 
hold direct and intimate association with them by themselves. 
This he managed by inviting, at a time, a dozen or fifteen children 
of nearly the same age, to take a walk with him on the Neck. He 
would call on two or three families and get their children to invite 
the others whom he named. He never left anything to chance. 
His calls would be in the morning of a very fine day so as to be 
sure that the weather would be favorable. The children were to 
meet at his house at two o'clock precisely when he would be ready 
to start with them. He would train their powers of observation 
by calling their attention to many things worth notice. Sometimes 
the topic would be trees. He would talk to them about their trunks, 
limbs, branches, leaves, fruits or seeds by which their life was 
transmitted to future times. Then about what latitude meant in 
the manner of their growth and how all vegetation was adapted to 
climates ; that certain climates were adapted to certain growths. He 
would direct their attention to such trees as they might find in the 
course of their walk, or such as might be in their gardens, or neigh- 
borhoods, to notice the variety in the shape of their foliage, the 
wonderful changes there would be from the spring when first the 
leaves would appear, to the autumn when the trees would be clad 
in garments of various bright and gorgeous hues, and reverently 
spoke to them of the kindness of the dear Father in providing them, 
not only to refresh us with their shade and delight us with their 
beauty, but who had loaded so many of them with rich and deli- 
cious fruit for our nourishment and enjoyment. At another time 
he would open their eyes as it were to the wealth of the grasses and 
grains, clean and delicate food, not only for human beings but for 
birds and beasts, and how impossible it would be for us to enjoy 
the cow's sweet milk and butter and cheese which add so much 
pleasure to our meals, were it not for the rich and nourishing food 
which the grasses supply. On another day the talk would be of 
the sweet flowers with which the dear Father has beautified the 
lonely hillsides as well as the cultivated gardens, the elegance of 
their forms, their exquisite fragrance and their medicinal uses and 
that we owed to them the honey which the busy bees so industri- 
ously gather. At another time he would lead their observation to 
the mosses, the opulent variety of their forms and shades of the 
ever refreshing green, from the dry mosses of the rocks on the hills, 




c ° 



BY MARGUERITE DALRYMPLE XXX111 

to the rich verdure of those in wet and swampy places. On another 
day he would discourse to them about the rocks, their formation, 
the revelations they could make of the wonderful progress of the 
works of nature through the long ages. Of the opulence of their 
immense variety from the building stones to the precious diamonds 
which flash in the crowns of kings and in the jewelry which people 
wear. Sometimes their walk would be to the sea-shore where the 
children could gather the tiny shells, the little stones smoothed 
and polished by the action of the waves, and the seaweeds, as they 
are called, and he would show to their delighted gaze the richness 
of their coloring and the fragile delicacy of their forms and con- 
trast them with the great kelp leaves floating in, that they might 
form some idea of the wonders and beauties of the world beneath 
the waves. At another time their talk would be of the ocean, of 
which they could see a small part, of its regular tides, of its 
storms, of its mighty power, of its innumerable multitudes of fishes 
of all sorts, from the tiny fishes they saw rushing swiftly by in 
schools, to the great whales and other massive creatures of the 
deep. 

After the talks and the walks he led them to what is now called 
the Juniper House. Then it was a new and pretty house, built and 
owned by one of his respected parishioners, Capt. Allen. It was 
called Allen's farmhouse. The farmer who cultivated the farm 
lived there all the time, but Capt. Allen was there only in the sum- 
mer. There was a veranda facing the water and the pastor led 
the children into it to rest till the farmer's wife called them to the 
supper he had ordered in the morning. For drink they had water, 
milk as much as they wished, and one little cup of " frightened" cof- 
fee. The eatables were most appetizing to the hungry children; baked 
potatoes, fried cunners and the good lady's hot biscuits and butter, 
and a little fruit, if attainable as it generally was. At sunset, the child- 
ren, rested and refreshed, started on their walk home with their be- 
loved friend, delighted with the wonderful things he had told 
them and showed them and, last not least, the delicious treat they 
had enjoyed with him. Surely they loved him for they were sure he 
loved them. He had no Sabbath school. There were none then. 
But were not those days, when their beloved friend introduced them 
to the wonders of the dear God's providence, sacred to moral train- 
ing as much as that found in the Sabbath school ? 

There were in those days no Sabbath school accommodations, no 
books of religious instruction, no little army of teachers intent on 
their beautiful work and devoted to it, no music, no libraries. 
Were not the lovely afternoons, the children of the East parish 
spent with their beloved friend when, with his inspiring eloquence, 
he talked to them of the glory of the dear God's works, as seen in 
the processes of nature, His great book of records which is ever 
before us for our instruction and delight, a prophetic premonition 



XXXIV AN ADDRESS 

of the privileges now enjoyed and were they not as good a substi- 
tute as a widely liberal mind and generous heart could devise, to 
impart to the children some of the wealth of his far-reaching 
knowledge ? 

The good pastor evidently did not believe in vacations for 
boys, and he as little approved of staying away from church. 
When he first came to Salem he found that an elderly man belong- 
ing to the parish did not go to meeting and had not gone for years. 
He inquired about him and people said, "Oh, Dicky is well but he 
won't go to Church. He has not been for years. You could not get 
him to go." The pastor determined to try. He called on him and 
after a little talk, asked why he had never had the pleasure of see- 
ing him at church? Dicky pointed to his shoes and said, "These 
'ere shoes don't look fit tD go to meetin." "Well," said the pastor, 
"You shall have a pair before Sunday which will be fit." He 
bought a good easy pair of shoes and sent them. But Dicky did 
not go to meeting. Soon after the pastor called to see if he were 
ill. No, he was well, but his hat was not in good condition as he 
could wish. A hat was promised and sent and still Dicky did not 
make his appearance. Another call revealed the fact that another 
article of clothing was needed. It was furnished. And still anoth- 
er disappointment. Dicky did not come. The good man's patience 
was as inexhaustible as his benevolence. He must have taken, 
like Mr. Angell in his noble and tireless work, "Nil desperandum" 
for a motto. He called the next day to express his disappointment, 
for he really had hoped for the satisfaction of seeing him at church. 
And he had a genuine pity for the poor man's lonely situation. 
Dicky was sorry to see how much he had disappointed his patient 
and faithful friend. He stood up and said, "Now, parson, this ere 
coat don't seem to 'sociate.'" "Is that so ? Well you shall have a 
coat that will before next Sunday." He lost no time in going to a 
tailor to bespeak a coat that would "sociate." No doubt it was made 
at the lowest price the tailor could afford, for no one would take 
advantage of the generous pastor. It was sent with his best 
respects and the hope that he should have the pleasure of seeing 
him at church next day. And sure enough, his patience and perse- 
verance were crowned with success. Dicky was at church. As soon 
as benediction was pronounced the pastor hurried down to shake 
hands with him, to bid him welcome, and to tell him how great was 
his pleasure at seeing him there. Quite a number of the elderly men 
and women came also to shake hands and bid him a most hearty 
welcome. Dicky's heart was touched. Never before in any house 
had he received such a hearty welcome as had been given him that 
day in that house of God. And he resolved to deserve it. He 
would go to church hereafter ; and he did go, regardless of storms, 
till his last sickness. Dicky had always had a good library ; a Bi- 
ble and an almanac. The latter he had consulted for changes of the 



BY MARGUERITE DALRYMPLE XXXV 

moon, &c, but the Bible lay under its coat of dust untouched. It 
had never amused or instructed him. Of late, the sermons and the 
readings of the pastor had opened it for him as a source of in- 
struction and comfort. The pastor had taken the initiative in his mild 
and gentle way ; he had drawn him into the church to receive its 
consolations, out of his desolate condition, careless of himself and 
uncared for by others. He now found the Sundays delightful. He 
heard two sermons, rich in noble and inspiring thought, prayers full 
of gratitude to the Father of Mercies, and full of faith in his infin- 
ite love. Is it any wonder that, in his heart, he carried home these 
and the sweet music of the psalms and hymns he had heard in the 
church, to cheer the hours which before had been so vacant? And 
was not this brightening of his closing years a rich benediction on 
the patient perseverance of the faithful pastor ? The gentlemen 
and ladies of the parish afterwards, through the rest of his life, 
took a special pleasure in providing suitable clothing for the now 
happy and grateful old man. 

The good pastor arranged as often as possible, little parties with 
an aged couple, in his benevolent desire to relieve by some cheer- 
ful variety the monotony of their painful trials. The old gentle- 
man's early and most of his later life had been spent on the ocean. 
But now he was a helpless cripple ; prisoner to chronic rheumatism. 
They lived in a small house. The front room was small, designed 
for a shop but not then used for that purpose. The back room, 
quite a sizable apartment, served for various uses, — kitchen, eating 
room and parlor. Generally the parlor floor was decorated with 
dotted sand, but when the pastor's party was expected, mats were 
spread for the guests. The rest of the room had the sand streaked 
over the clean floor in a fashion called herring-bone. One morning 
the pastor summoned the old lady, who was deaf, by a loud knock- 
ing on the wooden half-door of the shop, the glass upper part hav- 
ing been put back to admit the fresh air. He had called to inquire 
for the aged sufferer and having received a pretty comfortable re- 
port asked permission to take tea with them. The old lady gladly 
gave it knowing the pleasure it would give to her husband as well 
as herself. He then said, "My dear Madam, will you do me the 
favor to invite Grand sir and Grandm'am. Uncle and Auntie and 
the Misses ?" These were highly esteemed friends of the aged cou- 
ple and bright cheerful people who would bring cheer to the inva- 
lid when they came, and leave the memory of happy hours when 
they left him. It happened that morning that the parson had lin- 
gered a few minutes beside the door to speak to some children. 
Children all over the town would run to salute him and to receive 
kind words from him. Short as the time was, it was long enough 
for him to hear a colloquy between the old lady and her husband. 
"Who was there ?" "Our dear pastor ; he is coming to tea and we 
are going to have a little party, but what shall I do, the teapot's 



XXX VI AN ADDRESS 

broke." Swiftly he sped down to the grocery at the corner and 
quickly as possible, the grocer's basket, holding beside the usual 
provisions a nice teapot, was sent with the pastor's best respects to 
the old lady to relieve her dilemma. 

She took great pleasure in preparing for her guests. She would 
spread a snow-white cloth over the large table near the wall of the 
eating-room and put a big tray with her fine China tea-set on it so 
that it could be easily arranged. And she would make a nimble cake to 
be baked on a board before the fire near tea time so that her friends 
might have the hot cake to eat with sweet sauce, a favorite substi- 
tute for pie. A fund of entertainment was brought to the old gen- 
tleman that afternoon to banish pain and promote laughter. Each 
member of the party possessing a keen sense of the ridiculous, 
amusing incidents, odd adventures, and funny stories followed each 
other in mirthful succession till the hour of parting came, all too 
soon. Before saying " good bye," the good pastor spoke of the duty 
and beauty of cheerfulness, that it was produced, by difficulties, 
and educated by the sharp trials of the school of affliction, but 
once attained it could lift the burthen of our crosses. And what 
gratitude we owed to the Father of Mercies for the providence that 
out of the trials we were too apt to call misfortunes, should spring 
the richest graces which can adorn human nature. The aged cou- 
ple, grateful to their dear friend, were comforted by the treasure he 
had revealed to them, a wider and higher sense of the mercy of the 
dear God. 

Dr. Bentley's last evening was spent with a large parish party 
at the house of Capt. James Fairfield, a highly respected parishion- 
er who had just returned from a long voyage. The good pastor 
boarded with Mrs. Crowninshield in the house nearly opposite 
Union street. It was his custom before retiring to call on the old 
lady and bid her "good night." Leaning on the back of her chair he 
was telling her what a pleasant and interesting party it was, when 
he stopped, and asked her daughter, Miss Hannah, for a glass of 
water. She handed it as quickly as possible. He took it, raised it to 
his lips and fell. Help was called immediately but his fine spirit 
had passed beyond recall. If ever anyone deserved to receive the 
heavenly welcome surely did this beloved pastor. "Well done good 
and faithful servant. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." 



Plan of Arrangements 

AT THE 

FUNERAL OF DR. BENTLEY, 

MONDAY, MX. 3, 18S0. 



The Wall Pews of the East Meeting House are assigned for 
the use of the Ladies. Pews on the floor of the house, east of 
the front aisle, are assigned for the use of the fraternity of Free 
and Accepted Masons, and the Clergy. 

Committee to attend the House, to see the arrangements car- 
ried into effect — William Silsbee, Robert Stone, Edward 
Stanley, William A. Rogers, Franklin H. Story t Hardy 
Prince. 

The doors will be open to the Ladies, the Society of Masons- 
and the Clergy, at the tolling of the first bell. 

The male members of the East Society will meet at th* house 
of George Hodges, Esq. at the tolling of the first bell, whence 
they will move in procession with the Clergymen who are the 
pall-bearers, to the Meeting House. Ladies will not walk in the 
procession. After the services, the Funeral procession will 
form, and proceed directly to the New Burying Ground, in the 
following order : — 

Masonic Procession. 

Corpse. 

"Reverend Clergy. - 

delations. 

Members 01 the Church. 

Society. 

Municipal and other Public Authorities* 

Citizens. 

It is wished by the Committee that the male members of the 
Society wear Crape on the left arm* 

By direction of the Committee of the East Society. 

ANDREW DUNLAP, 

SALEM, Jan. 1, 18180. 



BIBLIOGRAPHY. 

COMPILED BY ALICE G. WATERS. 



A Collection of Psalms and Hymns for Publick Worship. Salem. 
Printed by Dabney and Cushing. [1789.] 24 mo. [166 pp.] 

A Sermon, preached at the Stone Chapel in Boston, September 12, 
1790. By William Bentley, A. M. Pastor of the Second Congre- 
gational Church in Salem. Published at the request of the hearers. 
Boston : Printed by Samuel Hall, at No. 53, Cornhill. MDCCXC. 
8vo. 24 pp. 

A Sermon, delivered in the East Meeting-House, Salem, on Sun- 
day Morning, March 13 : occasioned by the Death of Jonathan 
Gardner, Esq. Master of the Marine Society in Salem ; who died 
March 2, 1791, aet. 63. By William Bentley, A. M. Pastor of the 
Second Congregational Church in Salem. Printed at Salem, by 
Thomas C. Cushing. MDCCXCI. 8vo. 32 pp. [ed. 400 cop. See 
Bentley's Diary, 5 April, 1791.] 

Letter from Rev. Mr. Bentley to the Corresponding Secretary. 
[Concerning the Abbe de Mably.] (In Massachusetts Historical 
Society Collections, 1st series, vol. 4, 1795. pp. 157-8.) 

A Collection of Psalms and Hymns, for Public Worship. Second 
edition. Printed by William Carlton, Salem. 1795. 24mo. 149 -j- 
[6]pp. 

A Sermon, preached before the Ancient and Honourable Artil- 
lery Company, in Boston, June 6, 1796, being the Anniversary of 
their Election of Officers. By William Bentley, A. M. Pastor of 
the Second Congregational Church in Salem. [Greek quotation, 1 
line.] Boston : Printed by Manning & Loring. 1796. 8vo. 23 pp. 

A Puneral Discourse, delivered in the East Meeting-House, 
Salem, on the Sunday after the Death of Major General John Fiske, 
who died September 28, 1797. aet. 53. By Wm. Bentley, A. M. 
Pastor of the Second Congregational Church in Salem. Beati resur- 
gimus. Min. Felix. Printed at Salem, by Thomas C. Cushing. 
1797. 8vo. 37 pp. 

A Discourse, Delivered in Roxbury, October 12, 5796 ; before 
the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons in the Common- 
wealth of Massachusetts; (The Most Worshipful Paul Revere, 
Esq ; Master.) at the request of the members of Washington Lodge, 
on occasion of the consecration of the Lodge and the instalation of 
officers. By the Rev. Brother William Bentley, A. M. F. H. S. 



XXXviii BIBLIOGRAPHY OF 

Sperata voluptas suavis amicitiee, quemvis perferre laborem, sua- 
det. — Lucretius. Boston : William Spotswood. 1797. 8vo. 21 pp. 

A Discourse, delivered at Amherst, August 10, 1797 ; before the 
Most Worshipful Nathaniel Adams, of the Grand Lodge of New- 
hampshire, and the officers of the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts ; 
at the installation of the Benevolent Lodge, under the Right Wor- 
shipful Samuel Dana, Esq. Fides antiquitatis, religion e fir- 
matur. Tacitus de moribus germ. — Collocatas esse scio columnas, 
quibus runse, ad evocandos mortuos efncases, sunt inscriptse. Edda. 
By the Rev. Brother William Bentley, A. M. E. H. S. Samuel 
Preston, Printer. 1797. 8vo. 24 pp. 

A Charge delivered before the Morning Star Lodge, in Worcester, 
Massachusetts, upon the festival of Saint John the Baptist, June 
25, A. L. 5798. By the Rev. Brother William Bentley, of Salem, 
Massachusetts. Published at the request of the Brethren. Wor- 
cester : From the press of Brother Isaiah Thomas, Jun. June, A. L. 
5798. 8vo. 36 pp. 

An Address, delivered in the Essex Lodge, upon the Festival of 
St. John the Evangelist, at the induction of the officers by Brother 
Joseph Hiller, Past Master, and Brother Benjamin Hodges, Master 
Elect. December 27, 1798. By William Bentley, Member of Es- 
sex Lodge. "To receive guests with honour, is the sacrament of 
men." Institutes of menu. " If, in the instructions we give to 
others, we inquire not into the experience and institutions of past 
ages, how can we profit mankind?" Chou-king. Printed at Salem, 
by Joshua Cushing. 1799. 8vo. 31 pp. 

A Description and History of Salem, by the Rev. William Bent- 
ley. (In Massachusetts Historical Society Collections, 1st series, 
vol. 6, 1799. pp. 212-288.) Boston, 1800. 8vo. 

A Funeral Discourse, delivered in the East Meeting House, Sa- 
lem. On Sunday, 15th April, 1804. the day after the interment of 
Benjamin Hodges. A. B., only son of Captain Benjamin and Hannah 
Hodges, aged XIX. By William Bentley, Minister of the Second 
Congregational Church in Salem. Benjamin, a son of my right 
hand. — Jacob. Very dear to me. — David. From a child thou hast 
known the Hoby Scriptures. — Paul. Salem: Printed by William 
Carlton. 1804. 12mo. 23 pp. 

A Sermon, delivered July 2, 1806, at the Ordination of Mr. 
Joseph Richardson, A. M. to the pastoral care of the church and 
congregation of the First Parish in Hingham. By the Rev. Wil- 
liam Bentley, A. M. Pastor of the Second Church in Salem. 
Boston : Printed by Hosea Sprague. 1806. 8vo. 24 pp. 

A Discourse, delivered in the East Meeting-House in Sa- 
lem, September 2, 1807, at the Annual Meeting of the Salem Fe- 
male Charitable Society. By William Bentley, Minister of the 
Second Church in Salem. Salem : Printed by Pool & Palfray. 
1807. 8vo. 27 pp. 



REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY XXXIX 

A Sermon, before the Governor, the Honorable Council, and both 
Branches of the Legislature of the Commonwealth of Massachu- 
setts, on the day of General Election, May 27, 1807. By William 
Bentley, A. M. Minister of the Second Church in Salem. Boston : 
Printed by Adams and Rhoades, Printers to the State. 1807. 8vo. 
25 pp. 

A Collection of Psalms and Hymns for Public Worship. Third 
edition. Boston : Printed by Rowe & Hooper. 1814. 24mo. 144 pp. 

Washington's Birth-Day Oration, at Salem, Mass., February 22, 
1793. By Rev. William Bentley, D. D. Now first Printed from 
the Original Manuscript, belonging to Miss Mary R. Crowninshield, 
Charlestown. Mass. (In Historical Magazine (Dawson), 2nd 
series, vol. VII., 1870, pp. 3-8.) 

Selections from the papers of Rev. William Bentley, D. D., of 
Salem, Massachusetts. Prom the originals, in the Collection of 
Miss Mary Crowninshield, of Charlestown, Massachusetts. (In 
Historical Magazine (Dawson), 2nd series, vol. VIII., 1870, pp. 
339-342.) 

Selections from the papers of Rev. William Bentley, D. D., of 
Salem, Mass. — Continued from Series II., Volume X., Page 113. 
Prom the Originals, in the Collection of Miss Mary R. Crowninshield, 
of Charlestown, Mass. (In Historical Magazine (Dawson), 3rd 
series, vol. II., 1873, pp. 244-252.) 

Selections from the papers of Rev. William Bentley, D. D , of Sa- 
lem, Mass. — Concluded from the November number. From the 
Originals, in the Collection of Miss Mary R. Crowninshield, of 
Charlestown, Mass. (In Historical Magazine (Dawson), 3rd series, 
vol. II.. 1873, pp. 364-367.) 

Selections from Dr. W. Bentley's correspondence. Comprising 
Letters from James Freeman, Jeremy Belknap, James Winthrop, 
Levi Lincoln, John Smith, Samuel L. Mitchell, Joseph B. Varnum, 
Wm. Bentley and others. Communicated by Miss Mary R. Crown- 
inshield, of Charlestown. (In New-England Historical & Geneal- 
ogical Register, vol. XXVIL, 1873, pp. 351-360.) 

An Address to the members of the American Antiquarian Society, 
pronounced in Kings Chapel, Boston, on their foiu*th anniversary, 
October 23, 1816, By the Rev. William Bentley. Worcester : 
Printed for the Society. [1875.] 8vo. 26 pp. 

Record of the Parish List of Deaths. 1785-1819. By Rev. William 
Bentley, D. D., Pastor of the East Church, Salem. (From the 
Historical Collections of the Essex Institute.) Salem: Printed for 
the Essex Institute. 1882. Svo. [4]-f-177 pp. 



Constant contributor to the Essex Gazette for nearly 10 years. 
Constant contributor to the Essex Register for nearly 30 years. 



xl BIBLIOGEAPHY 

Keinarks on "A History of Salem." (In Massachusetts Histori- 
cal Society Collections, 1800, 1st series, vol. VII., pp. III-V.) 

Remarks upon Remarks, etc. in the first page of the seventh vol- 
ume of the Historical Collections. (In Massachusetts Historical 
Society Collections, 1801, 1st series, vol. VIIL, pp. 1-4.) 

Catalogue of that part of the late Dr. Bentley's Library, not be- 
queathed to literary institutions, to be sold by auction, on Wednes- 
day and Thursday, June 14 and 15, 1820, At 9 o'clock, A. M. and 
3 P. M. at Blake & Cunningham's Office, No. 5, Kilby Street, Bos- 
ton. Boston : Printed by Crocker & Brewster, No. 50, Cornhill. 
1820. 8vo. 28 pp. 

Catalogue of the Books bequeathed to Alleghany College by the 
Rev. William Bentley, D. D. of Salem in Massachusetts, who de- 
parted this life near the close of December, 1819, setatis 61. (In 
Catalogus Bibliothecse Collegii Alleghaniensis. E Typis Thomse 
Atkinson et Soc. ApudMeadville, 1823. 8vo. pp. 66-88.) 

[Sketch of Rev. William Bentley.] (In Buckingham, Joseph T., 
Specimens of Newspaper Literature : with personal memoirs, anec- 
dotes, and reminiscences. Boston. 1850. vol. 2. pp. 341-350.) 



SOME ACCOUNT OF THE EAST CHURCH 
MEETING-HOUSE, SALEM. 

BY JUDGE JOSEPH G. WATERS. 



The materials for the House were collected on the eleventh of 
June, 1717, and on the twenty-seventh of August following, the 
raising of the frame was commenced and finished in two days. In 
the month of October ensuing, it was underpinned. The names 
of the committee, who superintended its construction, were Joseph 
Andrew, Abraham Purchase, Josiah Willard, Jacob Manning, and 
Malachi Foot, the last named gentleman acting as treasurer. 

The building, as compared with similar structures in these days, 
would be called small, as there were but seven hundred and six 
feet of glass, five hundred and sixty yards of plastering, and four- 
teen hundred clapboards, used in its construction. The roof was 
tunnel-shaped, culminating in a belfry, the bell-rope hanging down 
through the ceiling to the floor of the house. The aisle extended 
from the door on Main street, to the pulpit, which was on the 
south side of the house. On each side of the aisle were parallel 
ranges of benches facing the pulpit. Those on the right were oc- 
cupied by females ; on the left by males. 

A small gallery ranged along one side of the building. The win- 
dow panes, in conformity with the prevailing fashion, were small 
and diamond-shaped. 

The seating of the occupants was under the direction of a com- 
mittee who assigned the places of the worshippers according to their 
age, wealth and station. One of the benches near the pulpit was 
occupied by the singers. 

The house was opened for worship on the first Sunday in May, 
1718. There is no evidence that any repairs were made on the meet- 
ing-house from the time it was built, till 1761 when it was sashed 
anew, and during the nine following years other repairs were made 
on it. In the month of August, 1769, accommodations were pro- 
vided in the gallery for the singers and also for the women negroes. 

In 1770 it was voted to enlarge the meeting-house. A lot of 
land in the rear of it was purchased of the minister and during 
the next year the building was entirely remodelled by opening the 

xli 



xlii EAST MEETING-HOUSE 

centre of it and inserting an addition of fourteen feet. A handsome 
tower, with a spire, was erected on the western end and a conven- 
ient porch on the eastern. The pulpit stood on the southern side 
of the house at a slight elevation and was reached by a flight of 
stairs at the head of which projected a seat for the accommoda- 
tion of the sexton, whose duty it was to tend the hour-glass, the on- 
ly mode then in use there for marking the time. Here too, he seat- 
ed unruly boys whom he found committing any disturbance. 

Over the pulpit hung a lofty canopy or sounding-board and in 
front of the desk was placed the deacon's seat with a projecting 
shelf on which the communion utensils were placed. This re- 
mained till about the year 1786 when it was removed and a com- 
munion table substituted for it, which continued in use till the dem- 
olition of the house, when it was deposited in the Essex Institute. 

A gallery extended along the front of the interior, and each end, 
to which stair- ways led from the tower and porch. The front gal- 
lery was occupied by the singers, that on the west end, by some of 
the families in the society, on the east, by men and boys. Seats 
were provided here for the inmates of the almshouse, who usually 
attended in considerable numbers. For many years during Dr. Bent- 
ley's ministry they averaged twenty. 

The floor of the house was covered by square pews, each top of 
which formed a baluster. One pew, set apart for the aged, was ex- 
empted from taxation. 

It is a noticeable circumstance that in the contract for making 
these repairs, the committee agreed to allow a gratuity of thirty 
gallons of New England rum and twenty-eight pounds of sugar. 

A weather cock 4 feet 4 inches long, gilded with the best gold- 
leaf, was placed on the steeple. It now surmounts the balcony of 
the Bentley school. In 1772, a new bell was procured from Eng- 
land, the old one having been sold to Harvard College. While 
these repairs were going on the society worshipped with the First 
Church, then without a pastor, and as they were at variance in the 
selection of one, Mr. Diman was invited to officiate so long as the 
East Society continued with them. 

In 1773, a clock manufactured by Mr. Samuel Luscomb, purchased 
by subscription, was given to the society and set up in the tower. 



DIARY 

OF 

REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY. 



" Day Book for a record of events in the East Parish, Salem. 
Births, Deaths, Removals, &c. April 29, 1784 - Jan. 1796." [The 
manuscript is numbered Volume IX, and the original pagination is 
here shown within brackets.] 



On May the 4 th 1783, William Bentley first preached at Salem in 
the East Parish, upon an invitation by Letter dated April 23, signed 
by the Parish Clerk, and accompanied with an invitation from the 
Rev d James Diman. At a Meeting of the Church July 23, he was 
chosen Colleague Pastor, and the Proprietors concurred unanimous- 
ly on the day following, and made choise of a Committee to consult 
about the necessary terms of Settlement. 

At a meeting, Aug. 4 th the following Votes passed to grant a Set- 
tlement of two hundred pounds, to be paid one half at Ordination, 
and the other half within a year after, and a Salary of one hundred 
and thirty pounds during the Life of M r Diman, of one hundred & 
sixty after his decease, during actual service, and in case of natural 
infirmity one hundred and twenty pounds until death. 

The Ordination was on September 24, 1783. 

[1] April 30, 1784. Arrived at Beverly Capt. George Dodge, 
after sickness and a long Voiage to the W. Indies. 

May 13. Marriage of Joseph Allen Harrington, to Mary Gun- 
nerson. 

May 14. On Friday, May 14, Cap 1 John Collins sailed for the 
West Indies. 

March 23, 1784. Leicester Academy incorporated. Principal 
Trustees, & Benefactors, Ebenezer Crafts of Sturbridge, & Jacob 
Davis of Charlton, Esq 1 . 

Rev" 1 Robert Breck of Springfield died in May, Ag. 71. 

John Lowell Esq r chosen into the Corporation of Cambridge Col- 
lege, May 7. 

May 19, 1784. Capt. Francis Bowman* arrived after having 
been ashore on Cape Codd, with little damage. Capt. Nath : Sils- 
bee sailed for the W : Indies. 

June 20. Arrived Capt. Henry White & Capt Briggs. 

Marriage of Mr Thomas Briggs to Miss Anna Vincent. 

♦Boardman. 



2 DIAKY OF [1784 

July 27. Marriage of Elisha Gunnerson to Mary Archer. 
Sept. 27. Considerable Shock of an Earthquake was felt at 
Windsor, Vermont, about half p : twelve. 
Nov r 7. Marriage of John Walker, to Mary MacDonald. 
Nov r 26. November, an uncommonly fair month, except on the 
26, when by a sudden Storm the tides within the whole bay were 
raised to a very uncommon height, with much damage. 

Sept 6. Died the fam : G: Stevens, author of the Lectures on 
Head. 

[2] Jan y 13, 1785. Marriage of George Smith to Lydia King. 

Feb y 2. Snow Storm deep & much drifted. 

Feb y 15. Marriage of Henry Prince, to Sarah Millet. 

[101] Dec r 14, 1791. A contract with Mr Groce, to attend & 

lead in the public singing of the East Meeting House for which he 

is to receive of the Proprietors from free contribution, subscription, 

or donation to the amount of three shillings per Sunday, and I am 

to make it equal to £ s d 

9, 0, 0. 
By an after agreement he is to keep a School, & be 
paid upon the advice of the Committee, annually, 12, 0, 0. 

1792. Dec r 25. Delivered to W m King 9 shillings for Wood. 
Statement of Singing School Account for 1792. 
For Books of Music, £1, 

Psalm Books dozen, 1, 

For Candles, 1, 

For Groce, services, 6, 

For Seats, Groce's Bill, 7, 

For King's Bill on Seats, 2, 

£19, 18, 3. 

[3] Jan y 9, 1794. Agreed with M r Levi Maxcy, now resident 
in this Town to attend, & superintend the public Singing on 
Lord's days, (Mr Ward, & Mr Becket present) for which he is to 
receive § of a dollar every such day. 

Attended 2 d Sunday in January. 

[4] The School opened under M r Groce. In addition to the 
old Singers, the pupils are Dec. 1791. 

MALES. FEMALES. 

Allen, Edw. Browne, Abigail. 

John Allen. Cooke, C. 

Alex. Allen. Carrol, H. 

Brown, B. Chever, S. 

Becket, W. Dean, E. 

Bickford, W. Ellison, M. 



10, 


0. 


16, 


0. 


5, 


0. 


4, 


5. 


o, 


7. 


2, 


3. 



1791] 



REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 



MALES. 

Brooks, L. 

Becket, J. 

Collins, Jo. 

Cooke, W m . 

Fiske, John. 

Hutchinson, W. 

Preston, J. 

Patterson, B. 

Patterson, E. S. 

Pease, B. 

Rowell, B. 

Powell, W. 

Rowell, J. 

Nourse, B. 

Nourse, T. 

Randolph, R. 

Ring, S. 

Swasey, J. 

Rue, P. 
Jan y 1793. School opened by 
attended six evenings. 
Vizt. Ellison, M. 

Hitchins, S. 

Hunt, M. 

Lane, M. 



FEMALES. 

Hitchins, S 
Hunt, M. 
Lane, M. 
Lane, S. 
Manning, M. 
Manning, E. 
Peale, M. 
Peale, E. 
Rue, S. 
Smith, S. 
Swasey, M. 
Whittemore, S. 



Males, 25. 
Females, 18. 



M r Wade. Only the Treble 

Lane, S. 

Peale, M. 

Peale, E. 

Rue, S. 

& a few occasionally. 



[5] Names of females returned as instructed in Master Farring- 
ton's School such only being a charge to the Society, &c. 
Sally Lane. Betsey Dean. 

Polly Lane. Polly Hunt. 

Polly Peele. Hannah Ross. 

Betsey Peele. Hannah Burne. 

Sally Rue. Polly Millet. 

Peggy Ellison. Betsey Browne. 

Sally Edwards. Polly Burrill. 

[1793] Names returned by I 
Singers in 1792. 

Archer, Daniel. Mt. 16. 

Balch, Robert. 21. 

Byrne, Simon. 17. 

Becket, Samuel. 17. 

Babbidge, John. 26. 

Babbidge, John jun r 8. 



. AmosLefavre. 


List of intended 


Becket, W m Mi. 17. 
Becket, John, jun r 16. 
Bray, Benj. 17. 
Becket, David. 6. 
Teague, Thomas. 24. 
Teague, Nath. 28. 



4 


DIARY 


OF 


[1793 


Lefaveur, Amos. 


JEt 27. 


Brown, Polly. 


Mt. 16. 


Parker, Broadstreet. 


22. 


Archer, Mehit : 


19, 


Undewood, George. 


18. 


Horton, Sally. 


10. 


Swan, Caleb. 


24. 


Knap, M rs 


28. 


Toy, Eben r 


25. 


Knap, Anna. 


17. 


Millet, Benj a 


20. 


Burke, Patty. 


14. 


Parnell, James. 


20. 


Parnell, Betsey. 


18. 


Horton, John. 


12. 


Byrne, Hannah. 


15. 


Knapp, W m 


9. 


Ropes, Hannah. 


27. 


Ropes, Sam 1 


12. 


Pickworth, Mary. 


28. 


Ropes, Benj a 


10. 


Peele, Lydia. 


22, 


Bopes, W m 


8. 


Ropes, Sally. 


6 


Webb, Thomas. 


16. 


Holman, Polly. 


30. 


Wellman, Timothy. 


15. 


Hawkes, Mary. 


30. 


Dean, Thomas. 


9. 


Ellison, Peggy. 


17. 


Peele, William. 


19. 


Becket, Betsey. 


10 


Valpey, Abraham. 


8. 


Becket, Rebecca. 


7. 


Valpey, Stephen. 


11. 


Becket, Polly. 


8. 


Valpey, Betsey. 


26. 


Waters, Polly. 


9. 


Valpey, Dorcas. 


10. 


Waters, Ester. 


7. 


Bell, M rs 


25. 


Waters, Patty. 


5 


Robinson, Betsey. 


25. 


Frank, Rachel. 


15, 


Keefe, M rs 


29. 


Frank, Patty. 


11 



[7] Oct. 29, 1795. Master Palfray delivered me 
receipt for 21 Dollars, as a purchase of a Bass Viol 
from M r Joseph Pierce & Son of Boston, 21.00. 

I delivered to him a Crown in addition to the sum 
of Oct. 26 for expenses, 1.10. 

Oct. 30. Paid Ireland for manufacturing Rods for 
the Curtains in the Girls Seats, E. Meeting H. 9/. 1.50. 

& for staples towards Lightening Rods, &c. 3/6. 0.58. 

For altering rods, 1/6. 0.25. 

Nov. 5. Paid M rs Gibaut for the Curtains & making, 3.00. 

Nov. 7. Paid M rs Gibaut for Bag for Bass Viol, 1.50. 

Expences upon Tything Man's Seat, bolt, 1/4. nails, 
1/6. Carpenter, 6/. hinges, 1/4. including seats & re- 
pairs in Women Gallery 1.70. 

Nov. 23. Gave Master Palfrey two dollars for his 
trouble at Thanksgiving by promise, 2 Dollars. 

Nov. 26. Gave Palfrey two pistareens to purchase 
Music paper to transcribe the Tunes, 0.40. 

Presented to the Misses Peales two pair of black Silk 
gloves as Singers. 

Nov. 28. Paid Dabney [for] a Music Book by Amos, 
the German Flute for the School, 4/6. 0.75. 

[83] Dec. 10, & Nov. 26, 1795. 



1795] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 5 

Presented to the Misses Polly & Betsey Peele a pair 
of silk gloves each, besides a pair of leather gloves, 
see Nov. 26 in part. Also to the Misses Polly & Sal- 
ly Lane, to the elder a pair of leather gloves, & of silk 
mouse gloves & to the younger of black silk gloves for 
their services in the Singing Company. 

Dec. 15. Paid Newhall 4 1/2 Dollars for an Iron 
Stove for the use of the Singing Seat, 4.50. 

1796. January 6. Pair of silk gloves to Mary 
Hunt in the seats. 

January 9. Paid Gunnison towards attendance at 
Singing school towards his ten nights as by account. 
4/4? 0.72. 

[17] Oct. 1794, made the number of girls returned as singers 
93, of men 118. 

[35] November, 1788. By the consent of the Proprietors, a 
new collection of Psalms & Hymns were allowed to be introduced, 
and a copy of them presented severally to the following Persons, 
then in the Singer's Seats. 
Major Buffington Master. Anna Wiatt, 

Messieurs Snelling, Anna Townsend, 

Knowlton, Sally Chever, 

Silsbee, Sally Becket, 

J. Archer, Sally Crowninshield, 

J. Babbidge, Sally Archer, 

Lefaveur, Hannah Webb, 

S. Archer, Hannah Mascoll, 

C. Smith, Lydia Becket, 

Putnam, Polly Swasey 

B. Babbidge, Christiana Dean, 

J. Snelling, Polly Snelling, 

Lander, Polly Waters. 

Peele. Abigail Cumbs, 

M rs Betsey LeFaveur, 
March 23, 1789. Proposals were made for a New School which 
was opened April 3 d . The terms were that the School formerly 
kept should be opened on friday night in a fortnight. That in that 
week the new School, should be open on Tuesday, & alternately on 
Friday. The money 6/ pr. evening. 
The names given in are as follows. 
Mess : John Dundee, xx Miss : x Betsey Phillips, xx 

John Trask. xx Sally Chever. xx. 

x Andrew Ward, xx x Sally Phippen. xx 

x Luke Heard, xx x Polly Herrick. xx 

x Samuel Leach, xx x Lydia Herrick. xx 



DIARY OF 



[1789 



Ebenezer Phelps, xx x 

Samuel Chever. x x 

Ebenezer Leach. x 

Jonathan Webb, x 

Thomas Palfrey, x 

Joseph Vincent, xx 
x Benj a Hutcheson. xx 

John Becket. xx 

Benj a Dean, x x 

x 
x agreed to attend, xx have attended, 
those whose names are prefixed with x. 



Sally Becket. xx 
Nabby Swasey. xx 
Hannah Swasey. xx 
Priscilla Webb, xx 
Peggy Chever. xx 
Polly Bowditch. 
Betsey Bowditch. 
Sukey Dean, xx 
Polly Emerton. xx 
Hannah Beadle, xx 
Psalm Books delivered to 



[38] March, 1785. List of persons in the Singing Seat. 



MEN. 



Mr. Snelling. 

A. Hovey. 

S. Silsbee, married. 
J. Babbidge. 
M. Vincent, x. 
J. Archer. 
J. Brindley. 
S. Archer. 
J. Snelling. 

B. Babbidge. 
G. Dean. 

N. Knowles. 
Eb : Ebeley. 
Ch : Smith. 

C. Bangs. 
Bob : WaUis. 



Miss. N. Wyatt. 
H. Phippen. 
E. Babbidge. 
L. Gale, married. 
L. Mason. 

E. Vincent, married. 
S. Becket. 
P. Snelling. 
C. Dean. 

S. Crowninshield. 
S. Archer. 
A. Cumbs. 
P. M c Demer, married. 



Jn° Brown. 

M r B* Brown, married. 

W m King. 

J° Chandler. 

SP h Cloutman. 

Jon a Smith. 

T. Leavitt. 

K ob Bray. 

H y Osborne. 

Peter Herrick. 

Josh : Lathe. 

Joseph Loring. 

Thornd : Proctor. 

N. Knowlton, dead. 

G. Ward, x married. 

J. Cushing. 



WOMEN. 



E. Brown, married. 

N. Brown. 

H. Brown. 

S. Brown. 

P. Phippen. 

H. Babbidge. 

S. Richardson, married. 

S. P. Renough, dead. 

H. Webb. 

M. Burrill, x married. 

A. Townsend. 

A. Elkins, married. 

S. Babbidge. 



1785] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 7 

[40] 1785. About the time of my Ordination the Proprietors 
voted to open a Singing School, the Charges of which were to be 
defrayed by an Assessment of one dollar pr. Quarter upon each 
Scholar, & deficiencies to be made up from the public fund, in con- 
sequence of which vote the School was opened at M r Rue's for one 
Quarter, then at the Widow Crowninshield for the next Quarter, then 
at Capt. Ingersoll's for another Quarter, and at each two nights in 
a week. Then for the Summer Season one night in a week at the 
Public School, & for the ensuing winter in a building in the great 
street. 

[42] Moved from Welsh's School at Widow Knights began on 
Thursday, September 1, [17] 85, at 2s 6/ p r . Q. At the end of the 
Quarter School removed to the New East School House. December. 

[198] June, 1785. An Account of the Number of Inhabitants 
in the Town of Salem, as taken (on Oath) by the Assessors of said 
Town, pursuant to a Law of this Commonwealth, passed in the year 
of our Lord, one thousand, seven hundred eighty-four. 



1. 

Under 16 
years of age. 


from 
16 30 
to to 

30 50 


50 
to 
70 


70 
to 
100 


Females. 

Undei 
Wid- 16 y. 
ows. 


• 16 
to 
30 


30 
to 

50 


50 
to 

70 


70 
to 
100 


Total. 


1 No 1. 427 


183 


155 


47 


13 


120 429 


268 


189 


90 


27 


1828 


No 2. 314 


143 


97 


29 


8 


74 274 


213 


114 


69 


16 


1277 


No 3. 382 


192 


152 


33 


14 


109 428 


242 


180 


75 


17 


1715 


No 4. 432 


176 


185 


36 


7 


116 409 


301 


221 


56 


22 


1845 



1555 694 589 145 42 419 1540 1024 704 290 82 6665 

People in the Poor House, & who are not included in the 
above account 66 

~673l 

192 Negroes, who also are not included in this account. Widows 
who appear in a separate Column, are likewise included in the 
several columns under their respective Ages. Those in the second 
Column from 16 to 30 years of age, are under 30, & so on through- 
out the heads of the several Columns. The last mentioned number 
of years is to be understood exclusively. Care was taken not to 
include any person, who was not certainly known to be an Inhabi- 
tant of the Town, according to the general sense or meaning of the 
word " Inhabitant." This account delivered to me by Mr. Miles 
Greenwood one of the Assessors. 

Spring, 1785. This is the first List that ever was taken by me 
after my settlement at Salem. Occasionally others were added, but 
the first part which I have endeavoured to mark off are Original, 
&c. Those marked with a straight line* denoted early removals, 
& were marked early. The waving line is the line of separation 
between the Original List, & the additional Members. 

* Here printed in italics. 



8 DIAKY OF [1785 

A. 

Mary Andrew. Widow in the Great Street. Prop. 

x Capt Edward Allen.* Prop. 

Jonathan Archer, tertius. Barber. 

Jonathan Archer, junior. Philom : Prop. 

x John Andrew. Jeweller, removed. 

Jonathan Archer. Barber. Prop. 

Widow Hannah Archerf in Long Wharf Lane. X 



Capt. John Archer, on the Common. 
Hannah Adams, married. 
James Archer. Shoemaker. 
Samuel Archer. Barber. 
Thomas Ashbey. Capt. 

B. 

Lydia Babbidge. Schoolmistress. x Prop. 

Joseph Brown. Mariner. Becket's. 

Ja mes Becket. Boatbuilder, &c. x Prop, 

x Eben : Burril. Carpenter, removed to Boston. 
John Browne. Baker. 

x John Browne, senior. Carpenter. dead. 

Cap 1 John Berry. Daniel's lane. Prop, 

x Capt. John Burchmore. has left the Parish. 
Widow Mary Becket. at the Ship Yard. 
Capt Johnston Briggs. Union Street. 

John Becket. Boatbuilder. Prop. 

Mary Bates, Widow of Capt Bates in the Street. sold Prop. 

Widow Mary Becket, daughter of ditto. 

Mansfield Burril. Carpenter. Street. Prop. 

x Alden Burril. Carpenter, has left the parish. 
James Browne. Shopkeeper. Hardy's Lane. 

William Browne. Prop. 

Susey Beadle. Maiden. Turner's Lane. 
Widow Lydia Beadle, in Derby Street. 

Widow Mary Batten, below the M : House. Prop. 

Widow Mary Bowditch. in Long Wharf Lane. Prop. 

Capt Francis Boardman. on the Common, x Prop. 

Capt Christopher Babbidge. Street. 
Abigail Berry. Shopkeeper. Daniel's Lane. 
Jonathan Brown. Labourer, in English's Lane. 

* Born at Berwick-on-Tweed ; came to Salem in 1757. 

t Widow of Nathaniel Archer and daughter of Gamaliel Hodges. 

t Now Union street. Union wharf was formerly Long wharf. 



1785] EEV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 

Widow Hannah Byrn.* in L. Wharf Lane, x 

x Jonathan Bruce, Mariner. Pierce's, removed to Boston. 

Robert Bartlet. Labourer. Fort. 

John Batton. Mariner. English's lane. 

Mary Berry. Pierce's Street. 

Mary Burroughs. Derby Street. 

Sarah Brown. Chever's Street. 

Benj a Boylstone. Ropemaker. Neckgate.f 

Hannah Brown. Neckgate. 

Anna Brown. DanieVs lane. 

x Capt Nathan Brown. Derby Street. dead. 

C. 

Widow Mary Crowinshield. in Ives' Lane.l Prop. 

x Benj a Cheever. Shoemaker, on the Common. 

x Capt George Crowninshield. Derby Street. Prop. 

x Capt George Dodge, jun r . Derby Street. 

Capt James Cheever. Street. 

x Widow Abigail Cumbs. on the Common. 

Col: Samuel Carleton. Union Street. Prop. 

Widow Mary Collins, in Becket Street. 

James Collins jun r . Shoemaker. 

Widow Hannah Crowninshield.§ in the Street. Prop. 

x Capt. Benj a Crowinshield. Street. 

x John Crowninshield. Mariner. dead 

x Capt John Collins. Turner's lane. Prop. 

x Capt Jacob Clark. dead, widow. 

x John Collins. Carpenter in the Street. 

Benj a Cloutman. Carpenter. Neckgate. 

Stephen Cloutman. Ship Carpenter. Street. 

x James Carrol. Mariner, at Elvin's Point. || 

Widow Abigail Curtis. Derby Street. 

Widow Mar : Clark near Capt Jo White's. 

William Chever. in L. Wharf Lane. Widow removed. Prop. dead. 
Widow Mary Cloutman. in Turner's Street. 
Joseph Crookshanks. Ship Carpenter. Becket's. 

* widow of Simon Byrne. 

t At the easterly end of Essex street. The gate at.the entrance to Salem neck. 

t Formerly Beadle's lane. Named for Benjamin Ives. Now that part of Pleasant street 
extending from the Common to Essex street. She lived in an old mansion house which 
was once the famous Beadle tavern. In general style it resembled the Stephen Sewall 
house, see Essex Institute Hist. Colls, vol. 36, p. 197. ; 

§ Daughter of Samuel Carlton, and widow of Capt.' Jacob Crowninshield. She lived on 
Essex street, opposite Union, in the house built by her husband's father. Here Dr. 
Bentley lived during the greater portion of his life in Salem, and here he died. 

II Near the foot of Daniels street. 



10 DIARY OF [1785 

x Elias Cotton. Ropemaker. not with us. 

Elizabeth Collins. Fairfield's. 

Widow Cowley. Batton's. 

James Carrol. 

Thomas Chipman. Mariner. 

Capt Samuel Chever. Common. 

John Collins. Shoemaker. Daniel's lane. 

William Crispen. Mariner. 

John Chandler. Tanner, removed. 

James Clearage. Mariner. 

Joseph Crookshanks. Ship Builder. 

D. 

Thomas Diman. at the Neck. Prop. 

Richard Dighton. Mariner, near the M. House. 

Capt George Dodge. x Prop. 

Capt Benj a Dean, in Daniel's Lane. 

Capt Thomas Dean. Derby S. Prop. 

Thomas Dean, jun r . Mariner. 

Widow Dane, in Derby Street. 

Mary Dean. 

E 

Widow Sarah Elkins in L. Wharf Lane. Prop. 

Widow Mary Elkins. Prop. 

Henry Elkins. Mariner. Capt. 

Nathaniel Easties. Cooper in Turner's Lane. 

x Jno Edwards. Mariner. 

Philip English.* Neck. 

F. 

x Sarah Fowles. maiden, has left. 

John Fairfield. Carpenter, in Becket Lane. Prop. 

Capt. John Fiske. x Prop. 

Capt. W m Fairfield. x 

Joshua French. Tanner. x 

William Foy. Ropemaker. f 

Capt. Samuel Foot.j (mariner) Ives' Lane. 

M r Franks. § Labourer. x 

x Richard Furber. Mariner. Derby Street. x removed.. 

* He was for many years sexton of the East church, 
t Foye's ropewalk was near Neck Gate. 
1 Afterwards instructor in mathematics and navigation. 

§ Joseph Francois (Franks) was born in Corsica, brought up in a convent and intend- 
ed for the priesthood. He married Rachel Nicoll of Marblehead. 



1785] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 11 

William Foye 

John Forbes. Mariner. Ives' lane. 

G. 

Capt. Edward Gibaut. Prop, x 

Widow Anna Gale, in the Street. x 

Benj a Gale, Mariner. x dead, widow. 

John M c Gregore. Mariner. x 

Benjamin Gardner. Ropemaker. 
Benjamin Gardner, jnnr. removed, returned. 

Gunnison. Taylor. dead, widow alive. 

John Gunnison. Carpenter. 

Elisha Gunnison. Mariner. 

Widow Elisabeth M c Grew. at Elvin's Point. x 

Francis Grant. Mariner, ferry. 

Priscilla Gill in the Street. Prop, x 

Benj a Gale. dead. 

Francis Grant. Mariner, ferry. 

Josiah Gaines. Ropemaker. Street. 

H. 

x Capt Joseph Hodges. dead. 

Widow Hannah Haskoll. left. Prop. 

Capt John Hodges. Prop. 

Capt Benj a Hodges. x 

Thomas Hutcheson. Smith, dead. Widoiv. 

Barnabas Herrick. Carpenter. 

Abijah Hitchins. Carpenter. 

Susey Hathorn. Widow, with Touzell. 

Widow Sarah Hobbes. in the Street, removed to Danvers. married. 

John Allen Harrington, removed to P. Maine 



Widow Hodgdon. Turner's. 

x Benj a Hill. Mariner. Whitford's. dead. 

Nathaniel Hitchins. x 

Amos Hitchins. 

James Hunscombs. 

Capt Richard Hodges. 

George Hodges. Mariner. 

John Hill. 

I. J. 

Capt Samuel Ingersoll. Prop, x 



12 DIAKY OF [1785 

K. 

x Capt Benj a Knight. dead. 

Widow Knight, in Ives Lane. 

x Capt Nathaniel Knight, left. 

Capt Kimball, in L. Wharf Lane. left. 

Thomas Keene. Mariner. Silsbee's. x 

Widow Sarah Kimball. Browne's Lane. left. 

Edmund Kimball. Mariner. Becket's Lane. 



William King. Phippen's. 

John & Mary Knap. Beckets. 

Capt Benj a Knight. Turner's. 

Lydia King. 

Nath : Knowlton. Cabinet maker. Street. 

Joseph King. Mariner. 

L. 

Mary Lambert. 

Capt Joseph Lambert. jun r . Prop. 

Capt Joseph Lambert. sen r . Prop, x 

Mr Lazell. Mariner. Wife. 

Mr Laughlin. Mariner. 

M. 

Capt Jon a Mason, sen r . x Prop. 

Capt Jon a Mason, jun r . x 

Capt Richard Manning. 

Widow Hannah Maskoll.* Derby Street. 

x Capt Richard Masury. dead. Heirs. Prop. 

Samuel Masury. Mariner. 

Jacob Manning. Shoemaker. Prop. 

Capt Jonathan Millet. 

Capt John Masury. Neck Gate. 

Widow Hannah Murray. Becket's Lane. 

Widow Hannah Murray. Turner's Lane. 

Peter Murray. Cooper. Becket's Lane. 

Widow Maservey. on the Common. 

Samuel Murray, jun r . Cooper. Derby Street. 

Widow E. Millet, near Crowninshield's. 



Polly Murray. Green Lane. 

John Marsh. Mariner. Turner's lane. 

•Afterwards kept a well-known dame school. 



1785] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 13 

Hannah Mansfield. Derby Street. 

James Masury. Cooper. 

Elizabeth Millet. 

Richard Manning. Blacksmith, on the Common. 

Abigail Masury. 

Deliverance Masury. 

David Newhall. Mariner. Becket's Lane. dead 

Widow Mary Newhall. Becket's Lane. married 

0. 

Nathaniel Osgood. Shoemaker, at Orange Tree. left. 

P. 

Widow Elizabeth Phillips, on the Common. 

William Peale. Cooper. Becket's Lane. Prop, x 

Capt William Patterson. 

Capt Andrew Presson.* 

Capt Joseph Pratt. x 

Capt Ebenezer Pierce. dead x 

Capt Hunlock Palfrey. 

Elizabeth Philpot. Maiden. 

Ebenezer Phippen. Cabinet Maker. 



Henry Prince. Mariner, at Millett's. 
Thomas Parsons. Mariner. Silsbee's. 
John Patterson. Mariner. Derby Street. 
Henry Prince. Mariner. Street. 
Josiah Parsons. 

Nath. Phippen. Mariner. Street. 
Joshua Phippen. Cooper. Hardy's lane. 
Robert Phippen. Mariner. Daniel's lane. 
Nath. Phippen. Cooper. 

R. 

Thomas Rue. Shoemaker.t 

Capt. Robert Richardson. 

Nathaniel Richardson. Tanner. Prop. 

Capt William Ropes. Browne's. 

x Widow Mary Rantall. in the Street. 

*AJso Preston. 

tHe was one of the exiles from Acadia. 



14 DIARY OF [1785 

Thomas Rowell. Boatbuilder. 
Samuel Kopes. near Becket's. 

Ross. Mariner. Whitteniore's. 

Martha Eue. 
Mary Renew. 



Capt Robert Stone. x Prop. 

Widow Eunice Stevens.* Becket's Lane. 

Thomas Stevens. 

Capt Nath. Silsbee. x Prop. 

Johanna Silsbee. 

Widow Sarah Stevens. Fiske's. 

Joseph Searls. Mariner. Becket's. x 

M rs Searle. 

Samuel Silsbee. Carpenter. Prop. 

M r Joseph Snelling. Bookbinder. 

Seward, mariner. Batten's. 

Joseph Smith. Mariner. Derby Street. gone. 

Widow Susey Smith. Daniel's Lane. 
Cap' Sam : Swasey. mariner. 
Jonathan Southward. Pierce's, left. 
Susanna Sayward. Turner's lane. 

Capt Joseph Strout. Neck gate. 

Samuel Parrot. Mariner. Street. 

Sarah Silver. Street. 

Robert Smith. Carpenter, ferry. 

Sarah Stivers. 

Robert Summers. Mariner. Daniel's lane. 

William Sage. Carpenter. Daniel's lane. 

Rebecca Smith. Daniel's lane. 

Ebed Stoddard. Shoemaker, ditto. 

Marshall Stocker. Mariner. Street. 

George Smith. Mariner. Street. 

Capt Andrew Sleuman. 

T. 

Penn Townsend. mariner. Turner's lane. Prop. 

Capt Moses Townsend. Lambert's. 

Sarah Tozzer. 

Abiel Tozzer. 

Capt William Thomas. Derby Street. 

•Daughter of Daniel Bray. 



REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 15 



U. V. 



Joseph Vincent. Ropemaker. Prop. 

Richard Valpy. Mariner. L. Wharf Lane. 

Richard Valpy, senior. Mariner. Hardy's Lane. 

Sarah Underwood. Street. 

Charles Vanderfoot. 

Mary Valpy. Hardy's lane. 

Lydia Valpy. Daniel's lane. 

W. 

Sam : Woodkin. Carpenter. Neck Gate. 

Capt. John White. Prop. 

Stephen Webb, at the Port. Prop. 

Capt Joseph White. Prop. 

x Abraham Watson. Carpenter. Prop. 

x John Watson. Schoolmaster. 

Oliver Webb. Mariner. Derby Street. 

x Thomas Welcome. Baker, removed. 

Widow Whitford. on the neck. 

Widow Mary Waters, beyond Fiske's. Prop. 

Capt Benj a Ward. Glazier. Prop. 

Capt Tim : Welman. in the Street. Prop, x 

Capt Adam Welman. Beckets Lane. Prop, dead 

Isaac White. Tallow Chandler. 

Widow Hannah Webb, on the Common. Prop. 

Widow Welman. Neck gate. 

Edm: Whittemore. Carpenter. dead. 

Rachel Ward, beyond Fiske's. 

Capt Henry White. x 

John Ward. Carpenter. Derby Street. 

Capt Joseph Waters. x 

Capt W m Wyatt. 

John Walker. Mariner. Street. 

M rs Webb. 

Benjamin Webb. Mariner. English's. 

Mercy White. Neck gate. 

Mary Williams. 



DIARY 

OF 

REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 

April 4, 1785— December 4, 1788. 



[The manuscript is numbered Volume X, and the original pagina- 
tion is here shown within brackets.] 



DAILY OCCURRENCES. 

April 4, 1785. Arrived Welman & Cheever. 

5. Mr. M. Townsend arrived & Capt. M. White. 

6. Buried Mrs. — Grifford set. 75. from the Work House. 
Infirm : of age. Snow at great depth on the earth. 

7. A East. 

8. Engagements Monday at Capt. Fiske's. Tuesday, Capt. 
Knight's. Wedn: Col. Carleton. Called at Capt Briggs', Silsbee's. 

9. Engaged Thurs : Capt Dodge's. My Brother Thomas with 
me from Boston. 

10. Sunday at Home. 

12. En gag : at Welman's Friday. 

Visited Widow Anna Gale, with two daughters. 

John Crowninshield, no child. 

Sarah Fowle. Maiden. 

Widow Hannah Archer, with 

Widow H. Byrn & 4 Child: 2 Males & 2 Eem : 

John Brown. Sen. aged 81. with 

John Brown & six children. 

In evening. Knight's. 

13. Visited at Mr. T. Keene's, husband at Sea, wife and one 
child, Male. 

[6] Visited at Mr John McGregore's, husband at Sea, Wife, no 
child. 

at Mr. Thomas Parsons', husband at Sea, one child, male. 

Mr James Carrol, Wife and four children, one male. 

Mr. Franks, wife, & 4 child : one male. 

widow E. McGrew, no children. 

16 



1785] BEV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 17 

Visited at Capt William Fairfield's, husband at Sea, wife & 5 
child. 2 males, evening at Col : Carleton's. Tea at Lambert's. 

14. Visited Mr. John Edwards, husband out. Wife & 2 child : 
one male. 

called at Widow Mary Crowninshield's. 

called at Capt. A. Presson's. 

visited Mr. John Collins. Carpenter, husband out. wife & 6 children. 

one by a former wife, a daughter, 5 by the present. 3 males. 

called at Capt Kimball's, not at home. 

visited Widow Mary Hobbes. one child. 

visited Widow Gill. 4 Daughters. 

[7] Visited Widow A: Cumbs. 6 children, 4 males. 

visited Joshua French, husband out. wife & one child. 

widow Dane and one child, d. 

visited William Peale. husband out, wife, & 6 children. 2 males. 

visited Joseph Searle, & second wife, no child. 

{C^ 3 engaged Monday at Tea Chever's in the evening to receive Col. 

Carleton & M. Hiller. asked to be at Tea at Hobbes 1 & J. Mason's 

called at Millet's, J Mason's, M. Lambert's, Chever's, Boardman's, 

Collins', Game's & Becket's. 

15. Visited Capt. Tim. Welman, he absent. Wife and two chil- 
dren, one male. Talk about an advertisement resp'g the Parson's 
daughters. 

16. News of Dr. Jeffries having passed from Dover to Calais in 
a Baloon. Mentioned to Mr. C. Cabot to write to Mr. Gardoqui for 
Madrid Ed: of Don Quickotte. 

[8] 17. Sunday. Notes for Bebeccah Bushnel. sick. She died 
between the Services. Sarah Tozzer aged, & sick, & her G. Sons at 
Sea. David Hilliard* for his Son sick. F. Beverley. A black, for a 
Sick child. 

18. Was visited by the Kevd. Mr. Haslet who dined with me. 
visited Capt Prat, Wife & 5 Children, three males. 

visited Mr Chever. Wife & 3 Child, one male and a second wife. 

visited Mr D. Newhall, supposed dying. A Wife & 4 child, three 

males. 

Col. Carleton's & M. Hiller's visit def : to next E. 

19. A List of such Persons, who have been so frequently 
visited that their families can be recollected. 

Lydia Babbidge. a daughter with her. 

James Becket. Wife & one Child. 

Francis Boardman. three Child, one male. 

[9] Capt. E. Allen. 2 Wife. 8 Child, four males. 

C. G. Crowninshield. 8 child: six males. 

C. G. Dodge. Wife & one child male. 

♦Liyed on the western sit'e of Erjglish street and owned a rope-walk at the head of 
Salem Neck, which afterwards was sold to Richard Derby. 



18 DIARY OF [1785 

C. B. Crowninshield. Wife & one child male. 

C. J. Collins. Wife & 2 Child : one male. 

C. J. Fiske. 2 Wife. 6 Child, one male. 

C. E. Gibaut.* Wife one child male. 

C. B. Hodges. Wife one child, d. 

C. S. Ingersoll. Wife. 3 child, two males. 

C. J. Lambert sen. 6 child: one male. 

C. J. Mason sen : 5 child, two males. 

C. J. Mason, junr. 2 child, one male. 

C. E. Pierce. Wife one child. 

Mary Rantall. Widow two child, males. 

C. R. Stone. Wife & 4 Child, two males. 

C. N. Silsbee. Wife. 4 Child, two males. 

T. Welcome 2d. Wife. 3 Child, one male. 

C. H. White. Wife 3 Child, males. 

C. J. Waters. Wife & one child. 

Ab. Watson. Wife. 2 child, one male. 

John Watson. Wife. 3 child, two males. 

These are children living at this time not the number born to each. 
[10] visited Mr. Mewhall. 
Mr Benja Gale, husband not at home, a wife. 
Mr Elisha Gunnerson & wife not at home. 
Called at Chevers to see Mr. Brown to drink tea on Thursday. 
Visited Sarah Tozzer, & Visited her daughter E. Miller, widow, 
three children two males & G. Daughter. Wife of T. Chipman at 
Sea. one male child. 
Visited Widow King. 7 Child. 6 males. 

Grandame Whitefoot & Mr. [S] Tozzer, Widow. 4 Child. 2 

males. 

Called at Capt Kimball's, not at home. 

Visited Widow M. Bowditch. 7 children, three males. 

Widow Elkins 5 ch : 3 males. 

To drink Tea at Gunnison's Friday. 

Funeral at Dodge's & Allen's. Hilliard's. Bowman's. 

A Storm of Snow, Hail & Rain, prevented the visit to Mason's. 

[11] 20. The Lecture Revn. Holt preached, visits to sick. 

21. Visited Widow Hannah Murray. 
Visited Peter Murray. Absent husband. Wife & one child, d. 

Fairfield, wife, 7 child. 4 males. 

E. Kimball, out. Wife 4 child. 3 males. 

Widow Eunice Stevens. 

-Rowell, Capt. Wife, 4 child : 2 males. 



-Thomas Rowell, out. wife 3 child: males. 



*Boru in the Island of Jersey. Married Sarah Crowninshield and lived at the corner 

of Essex and Walnut streets. 



1785] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 19 

Mr. Eoss, out. Wife and one child, d. 

Rich. Dyton, out. Wife, no child. 

Tea & Evening at Chever's James, Wife. 2 children, d. 

22. Visited Newhall & Hilliard. morn'g. 
To drink Tea at Lamberts junr Sunday. 

Tea at Gunnison's, engaged to be at Harringtons on Wednesday. 

23. died John Hilliard. set. 33. of Consumption. 

24. Sunday. Notes for Martha Hodgdon. sick & Brother at 
Sea. Hannah Bushnel, for Sisters death & Br at Sea. Hannah Ar- 
cher, death of dr. Foot & fr. at Sea. Mary Whitford.* death of sis- 
ter, & fr. at Sea. [12] Nath. Phippen, for safe delivery. David 
Newhall sick, & son at Sea. 

25. died Benja Brown, set. 52, of rheumatism. 

26. Newhall died. 

27. Set off for Cambridge. 

28. Went to Boston, heard at the lectures one Pitman, preacher 
at Providence, Mr. Everet of Dorchester & Mr Skillman, & very 
much preferred the latter. Found political disputes high. Engaged 
to assist my Brother Thomas by advancing within six months 15£ 
for him, which he has borrowed at the premium of a dollar pr 
month, & to assist him in his rent which is also 15£. 

29. returned, & found spots of Snow on the hills between 
Boston & Salem. 

April 30. Engaged at home. 

May 1, 1785. Sunday. Notes for prayers. David Hilliard, death 
of his son. Hannah, for d: of Husband Brown & son abroad. [13] 
Mary, for d: of Husb : Newhall, & Son at Sea. W. Ropes for deliv- 
ery. 

2. Received of Hazlet, 6 Priestley's Appeal & 6 Views. 6 Dia- 
logues, of Feskwick. 3. Friendly Dialogues bet. Athan. & Unit. 
Gave 2 Dial: to Col. Carleton. 

1 Ap: 1 View. & 2 Dial : to Mr Watson. 

1 Dial : to Capt White. 

1 App: 1 View. & 1 Dial : to Capt Joseph White. 

1 App : 1 View. & 1 Dial: to Capt Stone. 

1 App. 1 View, to Capt Ward. 

1 App. 1 View, to Capt Fiske. 

reserved to lend, bound in one volume, a copy of each Pamphlet. 
Received as a personal present a Volume of Hints & Essays by a 
Layman & An Appeal to Common Sense. 
Visited Mr Harrington, wife, one Daughter. 

Widow M. Batten, two child, one male. 

Mr Seward, not at home, three daughters. 

Saml Murray, Wife, five child. 4 males. 

*The name Whitford was formerly Whitefoot, a translation of Blancpied. The family 
came from the Island of Jersey. At Marblehead the name became Blampey. 



20 DIARY OP [1785 

Visited John Gunnison, wife, two child, one male. 
Jonathan Bruce removed to Boston. 

[14] 4. Benja Gardner junr removed to Beverly. 

May 3. Widow Welman visited ; in her family an husband's fath- 
er, aet. 88, & she has living seven children. 2 males. Observed 
upon clearing away the foundation of an old Outhouse back of the 
house of Capt Gibaut intended for family business, & of unknown 
antiquity, a foot thickness of such stones as are used in pavements, 
filled with dirt, promiscuously. The whole amounted to many 
Loads. 

4. Visited Mr. T. Masury, old & blind. Wife & children. 
Visited his Son S. Masury. Wife & two children, one male. 

Widow Hannah Maskell. children. 

Jona. Brown, & wife. 

Widow M. Cloutman, 5 child. 2 males. 

-Abijah Hitchins, wife, children. 



Mr. Southward, Wife, one child, daughter. 
Widow Whitford, 3 child, one male. 
Widow Hodgedon, 3 child, two males. 
[15] Mr Walker. Wife. 
Widow Murray, daught: of Capt Webb. 

8. Sunday. Notes for N. Richardson, for safe deliv : Joseph 
Snelling, for safe deliv : Mary Bowditch, death of Mother in Law. 
Evening visited Wid. Haskell. 

9. Went to Newbury with Mr Hazlit. 

10. returned to Ipswich & on the 

11. was at the Ordination of Mr. Joseph McKeene in the lower 
P. of Beverly. 

12. at Home. 

May 13, visited Mr Lazell. 

15. Sunday. Changed with Revd : Wadsworth. Note for Re- 
becca Dwire for recovery of health. 

Wrote a note to Mr Diman in consequence of his proceedings 
against my sentiments resptg the ministration of Baptism. 

u Being informed of your proceedings in my absence ; I request 
that in my name a meeting of the Communicants [16] may be called, 
(by a public Summons on Sunday) on Monday next." B. 

Summons were given for a meeting at his house on Wednesday ten 
o'clock. A. M. Upon which on Monday morning, 

16. a note unsealed was written. " I am desired to inform you 
that several members of the Communion object to the place, ap- 
pointed for the meeting on Wednesday next, & desire that the 
public Church may be appointed instead of it." — yours B. 

18. The meeting was attended on the day appointed, the result 
of which by the consent of all the members present, (Parson D. 
excepted) was, " All baptised persons shall obtain Baptism for their 
children, after being propounded to the Assembly for their consent, 



1785] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 21 

without owning a covenant or making any profession, beside that 
which they virtually make by regular [17] application for such Bap- 
tism, & by answering such rational questions as the Minister may 
propose." buried Talbot, a black child, set. 7, of Consumption & 
Malachi Dodge, mariner of Boston, who died in the harbour, set. 23, 
of the Small Pox. 

22. Sunday, changed with Prentice. Note for Joseph Browne's 
Wife. sick. Went to Boston in this week. 

May 29. Thanks for delivery by J. Collins. 

31. d : Ebenezer Hacker, set. 62. of Rheum : fever. 

June 5. Sunday : Keene death of child. 

6. Catechising females. 3 o'clock. 

7. Catechising males. 
12. Sunday. 

14. Association Meeting at my house. Present. Revd. Diman, 
Barnard, Prince, Holt, Wadsworth, Swain, & Parsons. Visitors. 
Hopkins, Langdon, & Masters, Smith & Noyes, Revd. McKeene 
preached and was admitted into the association. 

15. Catechised of both sexes 175. 

16. Preached at Beverly first lecture for McKeene. 

[18] 19. Sunday. E. Ward for death of Sister Nutting-* 

21. Went to Andover to visit part of Capt Fiske's family , there 
sick. 

26. Sunday. Mr Hazlittt preached in the morning. 

July 3. Sunday. Notes of Capt Fiske for d : of B. Orne, & his 
wife and daughter sick. Mary Waters, delivery, husb. & brothers 
at Sea. 

July 10. Sunday. Note of Thomas Keene for return from 
Voiage, & rem. preservation. & death of his Mother, & his child. 
Joshua Pitman for delivery, fr. at Sea. Joseph Smith for delivery, 
br. at Sea. Wm. Brown, wife dang'ly ill. f. at Sea. Children of 
Joseph & Mary Waters propounded for Baptism. No. Catechising 
last Monday & Tuesday. The whole number 247. distributed 
Priestley's Catechism, published in Extracts for the purpose. 

July 15. Upon enquiry find that we entered Welch's Building, 
by the permission of Mr Andrew about [19] December 1784, & left 
about the middle of June 1785. 

July 17. Sunday. Notes from Mr Brown's family on her Death 
& for absent friends. Exchanged with Mr Holt. 

July 24. Notes for death of Mrs. Tozzer. also for Brown's fami- 
ly. Patterson's return. Capt Thomas, wife's safe delivery. 

July 31. Sus : Dean, delivery, abs. husb. & friends- 

Aug. 7. Foster for death of only child, brother Long ab : Lam- 
bert d. of child, husb. & friends at Sea. Ebenezer Phippen f. de- 

•Elizabeth (Pickman), wife of John Nutting, a noted schoolmaster. 
tFather of William Hazlitt, the well-known English essayist. 



22 DIARY OF [1785 

livery. Son. J. E.* Good Coat, superf. Handkerchief, Shoes, 
Stocks, Knee buckles silver, Stockings, Spirits St. Vincent, & Wine 
3 bottles. 

Aug. 14. Changed with Parsons. Notes for P. English, death 
of Wife, for Mr Rowell, delivery, died Neighbor Tousell.t 

Aug. 21. My G. Father with me. Notes. Harthone, d. of 
Brother Touzel. Joseph Prat, d. of child. Hannah Hodges for 
delivery & absent Hush: & brethren. [20] W. Fairfield, delivery, 
& return fr. Sea. 

Aug. 28. Ab. Woods, sick, husband at Sea. 

Sept. 4. J. Lambert junr. returned from Sea & death of Child. 
Atwater Phippen. Sister Ruth dep'd of reason. 

Sept. 18. Capt Fiske, death of D. Lydia. 

Sept. 25. M. Renew for Sick D. Peggy. Child of Henry Prince, 
propounded. 

Oct. 2. Abijah Higgins for delivery. Sarah Millet for ditto, 
abs. hus : & friends. 

Oct. 9. Mary Grant, death of child, husb & sons at sea. Martha 
Renew, death of a daughter. Widow Renew for G. daughter's 
death, & Son abroad. Susannah Valpy for delivery, & husband at 
Sea. & son at Sea. 

Oct. 16. John Hodges for death of brother. Hannah Archer for 
d. of brother & friends at Sea. Katy Brown, a black, for the death of 
her master. John Gunnison for delivery. Benja. Cloutman for de- 
livery. 

[21] Oct. 19. Was amicably adjusted a controversy between the 
Parish minister & the Proprietors of the East Meeting House. After 
the Ordination for eighteen months the administration of Baptism, 
& of the Communion was left in the Parish Minister's hands. An 
attempt by a private conference between the Parish Minister and the 
Proprietors Committee, was made to transfer part of this service in- 
to the hands of the Proprietors Minister, which issued in an agree- 
ment that each Minister should officiate, when applied to, & by an 
agreement between the Ministers, alternately to officiate at the 
Communion. However as it was the intention of the Proprietors 
in general to obtain from the Parish minister a refusal of all 
public services, on account of his age and infirmities, they did not 
long continue satisfied with this arrangement. [22] There was a 
Proprietor's meeting for the special purpose of desiring the Parish 
Minister to leave off officiating. The desire being expressed in such 
general terms & delivered by Capts White & Allen, the Parish Min- 
ister extended the idea to an exclusion from all Parish Duty, & in 
a manner disrespectful, tho' accidental, returned an answer, in which 
instead of asking the Proprietors, or their Committee an explanation, 

*" J. E."— probably John Edwards. 

tJohn Towsell, of Jersey extraction and grandson of Philip English, the merchant. 



1785] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 23 

he explains their request, to divest himself entirely of the ministerial 
character, & on account of the solemnity of his ordination & his 
conscience refused a compliance. Upon this general dissatisfaction 
ensued. The Proprietors returned him an answer in which they did 
insist upon their request, & in which they charge the Parish Minis- 
ter with an aversion to peace & harmony. [23] To the true rea- 
sons for desiring his silence new ones were added, some invented 
without any facts to support them. The Parish & Minister crimin- 
ated each other. The Minister asserted that from his settlement 
they & their fathers had shewn a disposition to render his support 
insufficient, & precarious. His family joined in the reports. Among 
other evils, which a supposed injury induced them to mention, were 
charges against the Parish for imprudent speeches about religion 
implying that such speeches, & new doctrines, & fatal innovations, 
were introduced by the Proprietor's minister. And to compleat all, 
complaints in this form were carried before the Association of the 
Clergy at Beverly, which tended to render the Parish & The Pro- 
prietors Minister odious in the world. [24] In reply the Parish 
said, that the Parish Minister settled for 50£, and had received to 
the amount of 80£ annually from his settlement. That he had dis- 
tinguished himself through life by a complaining temper, & was 
commonly known as an avaritious man. That he had made no con- 
sideration for a free contribution, which he received, & for the con- 
stant favors he had received from the Merchants in goods exported 
& imported in all their Vessels free of all duties, imposts, freights 
& commissions. That he had received in charge a liberal Donation 
for the Poor, which by his special management had been deprecia- 
ted to an inconsiderable sum, when the other Clergy distributed the 
donations committed to them immediately upon the reception of 
them. That he had almost dissolved the Parish by continuing to 
preach contrary to their [25] general wish for many years, & had 
done everything which could embarass the Proprietors in a new 
choice by proposing a new Candidate, when they were unamimous in 
one they had heard, & by endeavoring to influence the opinions of oth- 
ers by indirect means. That he had in his charge never acknowledged 
the Gentleman ordained as a Colleague, or his relation to the Church, 
which relation he now claimed as the sacred ground of his resolution 
to officiate. Then he had ungenerously reported things to weak minds, 
which he would neither defend, nor represent to any respectable 
men in the Parish to the disadvantage of the doctrine & designs of 
the young Minister, & did absolutely deny what in dubious expres- 
sions he had delivered to one of his church, & upon the member's 
request of satisfaction did exclude him from his house, &c. &c. [26] 
Upon this a Parish meeting was called, which rather sh[o]wed the 
passions of the People, that helped to adopt any measures. At 
length a hasty meeting of the proprietors was called, with a determi- 
nation to restore peace, at which after great hesitation the Parish 



24 DIAEY OF [1785 

Minister consented to resign all public service in the House, pro- 
vided that if the Church desired it he might officiate at the Com- 
munion, & at Baptism, when no ordained Minister could be had. 
Thus ended a most perplexing dispute carried on with a total want 
of candor by the Parish Minister & great violence by the People. 

Oct. 31. David Hiliard, death of daughter Woods, & Son at Sea. 
Lydia Hiliard: d. of Sister & Bs at Sea. Thomas Welcome, deliv- 
ery. Propounded Edm. & Ann Dwire, Thomas & Eliz a Parsons 
& James, & Sarah Browne. 

[27] Nov r . 6. Notes. J. Watson, delivery. E. Dwire, delivery. T. 
Parsons, delivery. 

Novr. 13. Note. James Browne for delivery. 

Novr. 20. Note of Mehitable Patterson, death of youngest child. 
Husb : & son at Sea. 

Novr. 27. Mary Carrol, sick. George Smith, for delivery. 

Deer. 4. John Watson, death of E. Leach in his family. Ed- 
mund Whittemore, sick. Ruth Phippen, dangerously sick. John 
Piske, Father, Mother, & Connections, for death of his wife. 
Thanksgiving mentioned for Deer. 15. Mary Carrol propounded 
for Clinical Baptism. In propounding the Subject for Clinical 
Baptism, In the Morning Service I mentioned after the conclu- 
ding prayer, that there was a subject, & that there were no prece- 
dents in the New Testament which could imply the irregularity 
[28] of it, but many to justify it. It was uncertain how many were 
present at the baptism of Jesus, & the nature of the baptism admin- 
istered by the disciples must render it often private. The Eunuch 
was baptized by Philip privately. To the house of Lydia, & the 
Tailor, or at least nothing is said to render any time, or place, or 
number of Spectators essential. I remarked on the baptism of 
Tertullian & several of the fathers, & on the practices of the Eng- 
lish, Roman & Greek Churches. On Wednesday following as on 
objection was offered, I proceeded to baptise. In the following 
form. I took brother Benjamin Ward junr. with me to the house of 
the Candidate, she laying in bed. I made a short prayer justifying, 
by devoutely alluding to the Scripture testimonies, the solemnities. 
[29] I then read the holy Gospel Matthew 28th C. 18th, and the 
Epistle of Paul to the Romans 6th C. Then performed the Rite af- 
ter asking her whether she heartily desired Christian Baptism. I 
then prayed with her for her wise use of the solemnities, her recov- 
ery, & resignation, & closed with a short exhortation. 

Deer. 11. Service morning to begin 1-2 past 10. Bernard 1-2 
the day. 

Deer. 15. Thanksgiving. Contribution £12. 

Deer. 18. Mary Carrol, dangerously sick. Sarah Cloutman, 
dang : sick. Gave notice from the Committee that the Salary, or 
assessments on the pews were to be raised by a weekly Contribu- 
tion on the Sunday. 



1785] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 25 

Deer. 19. Set out with Miss Allen for Tewkesbury, dined at 
Widow Upton in Danvers, drank Tea at Esqr. Ford's in Wilming- 
ton, and arrived at Madam Boardman's in Tewkesbury at 6 in the 
evening. [30] The day was of clear sunshine, but the roads very 
bad as far as Reading. At the Esqrs. I was entertained with his 
religious enthusiasm of the Calvinistic cast. His conversion was 
miraculous. Excepting his religious frenzy he retains his facul- 
ties with surprising vigor after a very laborious life until 82. At 
Madam Boardman's we lodged that night, & breakfasted, and dined 
the next day. The old lady's powers were never large & now 
much weakened. Her Son the only child, ruined for active life or 
economy, & her daughter-in-law ruined by intemperance. What 
destruction to a good estate flowing from Governor Phipps, Esqr. 
Boardman, Hon. Ballard, & Esqr. Townsend. After dinner we 
rode 6 miles to Billerica& drank Tea at Revd. Cummings'. A man 
of a liberal mind, eminent in his profession, kind in his temper, a 
widower with 5 children, two sons, all very amiable. It is uncom- 
mon to find a family [31] in such polite order in the Country. We 
returned in the evening to Madam Boardman's, and lodged that 
night, breakfasted in the morning and arrived at twelve on our re- 
turn at Revd. Stone's, Reading. We here experienced great hospi- 
tality, & found a large family with great examples of rural dili- 
gence before them. We drank tea at Widow Upton, & at seven in 
the evening reached home, after a disagreeable ride in a bad road, 
upon a very dark evening. I left with Mr. Boardman to remember 
me a dozen of Sermons preached at my Ord., one of Priestley ap- 
peal, three of his Catechisms. The Pamphlets respecting Mr. Mur- 
ray to & from. And received two Sermons of Revd West of Need- 
ham, written with a freedom of sentiment which must inspire the best 
hopes respecting our rising Country. [32] Miss A's behavior, was 
very modest & engaging. It was the most becoming of any ex- 
ample I have ever been witness to. 

Deer. 25. Christmass. The Service as follows. To introduce 
the morning service. Two short anthems, Hail, Hail, &c, & Me- 

thinks I see, & Boston. Before Sermons, Shepherds rejoice, 

&c. After Sermon. Anthem. Behold, &c. Evening Service, at 
Introduction, While Shepherds, Bethlehem. Before Sermon, 
While Shepherds, &c. After Sermon, Anthem. Behold, &c. Pre- 
served Elkins propounded to receive Baptism for her child. 

Jany. 1, 1786. Samuel Masury, death of child. Edmund Whit- 
temore, sick. Widow Mary Carrol, sick. Preserved Elkins, de- 
livery & husb : at Sea. [33] On January the Ninth, as Mr 
Joseph Loring was endeavoring to thaw the water of His Grind- 
stone with a hand Grenade, or as he supposed Shot, which had lain 
for thirty years at the bottom of Capt Derby's Cellar, it discharged 
itself as he was removing it in his Apron from the fire to the trough 
in a moderate degree of heat, & tore his left hand which was under 



26 DIARY OF [1786 

it, so as to oblige an amputation, & injuried his right hand so as to 
oblige him to lose the third finger with great injury to his hand. 

During my absence Deer. 20th the Parish Minister went to Mrs. 
Carrol, whom I baptised on Deer. 7, & represented to her that the 
Practice of Clinical baptism was Roman, & many other things which 
could disturb her mind & cast reflection on the Proprietor Minister. 
This Conduct took place in my absence, [34] and even when he 
had been applied to before I was consulted, when he had lodged 
no other objection than that he had never done such a thing, & even 
when the Candidate had been regularly propounded. And to shew 
the Christian temper he exercises, his maid was ordered to go and 
take her seat in the Proprietor's pew, which his family had forsaken. 
This happened last Sunday. 

Jany. 15. Mary Lambert, death of Sister, & Children & G. 
Children at Sea. William King, for delivery. 

Persons who have left the worship in the East House, from pro- 
fessed Dislike, &c. At Ordination, Mr. Safford & Wife, Wife since 
dead, & Mrs Lacey married to him, gone to Hopkins's. John In- 
gersoll & Wife to Hopkins'. Widow Kimball to Tabernacle. Mrs. 
Pierce to Tabernacle, Mrs. Palfrey to Tabernacle. [35] Maiden 
Sarah Fowle to Tabernacle. 

Came only to the Communion. Mrs Matoon* gone to Prince's. 
Mrs Flint gone to Tabernacle. Two daughters of Parson Diman, 
gone among those who happen to ask them to dine, of whatever 
persuasion. 

19th. News of the Death of Capt Jacob Clark upon his home- 
ward bound Passage from Hispaniola, from whence he sailed Novr. 
29, & died on the 9th day out. The Vessel arrived at New York. 
He has left a widow & two children. Arrived Capt. Jona. M.ason junr. 

22. Sunday. Eliz a White, death of Capt. Clark. Eliza Clark, 
death of her husband, and Son at Sea. Martha Gale, prep : for bap- 
tism for her children. Hannah Cloutman for bapt: for children. 
Both their husbands unbaptized. Widow Lydia Beadle, death of 
her mother. [36] Thomas Keene & Wife, she sick. Mary Carrol, 
dang : sick, & son at Sea. Hannah Collins, delivery, husb. at sea. 
Mary Parrot, death of Mother & Husband at Sea. Eliz. Parsons, 
death of B. Clark & Husband at Sea. Marg : Clark, death of Son 
& Sons at sea. Marg: Gordon, death of B. Clark & Brethren at Sea. 
Delivery. Notes for, from Euth Briggs, Husband at Sea. Stephen 
Cloutman & Benjamin Gale & Isaac White. 

Capt. Jona. Mason junr being obliged on account of the Ice to 
anchor in Nantasket Road, was carried upon Point Allerton by the 
breaking up of the Ice, & in securing the Vessel, the Mate [37] lost 
both legs & this week died. On the week before last at the begin- 
ning the Cold was very intense & at one time 11° below 0. 

^Elizabeth (Meservy), wife of Hubartus Mattoon, afterwards of Newmarket, N. H. 



1786] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 27 

On Friday, Jany 27, died Joseph Orne, an eminent Physician of 
this Town. He possessed an early, & sprightly genius. Has left 
a pleasing collection of his poetic lucubrations with the Lady of 
George Cabot Esq. Beverly, & was highly endeared by a native & 
pure vein of Wit, & the highest social accomplishments. His pro- 
fessional knowledge was great, & his application assiduous. He 
died of a Consumption in the 37th year of his age, & has left a wife 
& three children to mourn his loss. He was honored in the Acad- 
emy with the collection of the first volume of their Transactions, in 
company with other principal Gentlemen, &c. 

[38] Feby 1. Left a dollar with Mrs. Keene. Distributed my 
Oranges between Mr. Loring, Mrs. Keene, & Miss S. Cloutman. 
Paid for tolling the Bell, two shillings. 

A List of such Mariners in the Society, as sail, Masters of Ves- 
sels in the East Society, Salem. 

Capt. Edward Allen, at Sea. Capt. Benj a Knight, at Sea. 

Capt. Johnson Briggs, at Sea. Capt. Joseph Lambert jun r , at Sea. 
Capt. Francis Boardman, at Sea. Capt. Jon a Mason jun r . 
Capt. James Chever. Capt. Win. Patterson, at Sea. 

Capt. Benj a Crowninshield, at Sea.Capt. Joseph Prat. 
Capt. John Collins, at Sea. Capt. Ebenezer Pierce. 

Capt. Henry Elkins, at Sea. [39] Capt. Moses Townsend. 

Capt. Wm. Fairfield, at Sea. Capt. Timothy Welman, at Sea. 

Capt. Benj a Hodges, at Sea. Capt. Adam Welman, at Sea. 

Capt. Sam 1 Ingersoll. Capt. Henry White, at Sea. 

Capt. Joseph Waters, at Sea. 

This List is intended to include not all, who have borne the title 
of Masters of Vessels, or are actually at Sea & have the title, but 
such only as are in present employ in that character, in order for 
future minutes of their returns & their sailings from the Port. 
Capts. Prat & Ingersoll are now property owners on shore, but such 
as have not professedly given up all purposes of navigating their 
Vessels. 

Feby 3, 1786. Letter from Eevd. J. Eliot respecting an ex- 
change, agreed 2d Sunday in February. Wrote a letter to Batelle 
respecting Critical Review, & Worcester Gazette. Sailed this week 
Capt Townsend. 

[40] Feby 5. Edmund Whittemore, sick. John Andrews, de- 
livery. 

Feby 9. Projected an addition to the Singing Company, & in- 
vited to my chamber for the evening, Mr Benj a Brown ; Mr Wil- 
liam King ; Mr John Chandler ; Mr Samuel Webb, never appeared ; 
Mr Stephen Cloutman & included an invitation to two Mr Smiths. 
Added to the Company by an invitation, Mr. John Becket, & Mi- 
Ben j a Cloutman, Mr Ward & the School Master. Added an invita- 
tion in the evening to Mr Joshua Leavitt, & Bobert Bray. Mr 
Welcome & Mr Hovey visited us. 



28 DIAEY OF [1786 

Feby 12. Preached in Boston, & carried with me one of Capt 
Allen's children. 

Expences of Carriage 0, 16, 0. 

Going to Camb : & expences 0, 7 , 6. 

[41] Barber 0, 3, 0. 

Acknowl : &c . • • 0, 3, 0. 

Returned on Wednesday. On Tuesday attended the induction of 
Professor Pearson into the Oriental Chair in the room of S. Sewall, 
ungenerously dismissed. 

Peby 15. Received the first Lecture in Music fr Mr Buffington 
for the Young Gentlemen mentioned. Feb. 9. Present, Mr. B. 
Brown, Mr Win. King, Mr J. Chandler, Mr S. Cloutman, Mr Smith, 
Mr J. Leavitt, Mr B. Bray, Mr Henry Osborne, Mr Herrick. Was 
shewn an Original Collection of Psalms & Hymns, not very poet- 
ical by Mr Needham an Anabaptist. Collections from Watts & 
others, published at Exeter & Bristol, & [42] A Versification of 
Many of the Psalms by a Lady in a more antient publication in the 
name of Theodosia. These are in the possession of Mr Smith. 
Arrived Boardman & Tim Welman from West Indies. 

Feby 19. Rebecca Brown, death of Husb's mother. Husband & 
Son at Sea. Wid. Mary Burroughs, dang ly sick. Joseph Prat, de- 
livery. John Crowninshield went out a mate with Capt Lambert 
junr & returned sick with C. Tim Welman & died. 

Feby 20. died Capt Moses, a well known attender upon the 
King's Customs and a celebrated Devourer of food of all kinds &c, 
aged 80. 

21. A note to John Brown to join the Wednesday night Sing- 
ers. On Monday evening a fire broke out in Marblehead, by 
which was consumed a large Store, the chamber of which was a Sail 
loft, containing many [43] suits of Sails belonging to fishermen. 
In the Store was a large quantity of fish part of which was de- 
stroyed. The Town of Salem was alarmed, but on account of the 
Storm the preceding day, which continued through the evening, & 
the great drifts of Snow, the engines did not arrive soon enough to 
give any assistance. The engines went on to the Cross roads. On 
Wednesday, Mr John Brown & Caleb Bangs, & Joseph Loring, 
joined the New Singing School. Lent Dr Nutting a dollar. Invited 
James Cushing to attend Singers. 

26. Sunday. Notes. Sarah Crowninshield, death of husband 
& friends at Sea. Hannah Crowningshield, death of y'est Son & 
other Son at Sea. Thomas Keene, Death of Wife & brother at Sea. 
Sarah Silver, death of Keene, & Sons at Sea. John Fairfield, & 
Samuel Woodkins, for delivery. Brother & Son at Sea. [44] Jon- 
athan Mason & William Foy, for delivery. 

To drink Tea at Herrick's Monday & at Crowninshield's on Tues- 
day. On Monday I was stopped in the Street by Parson Diman, & 
told he should look to me for the deficiency of his salary ! ! ! Death 



1786] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 29 

of the Venerable & Eevd Mr Wingate, of Amesbury, aet. 82. About 
this time the News of the death of the Celebrated Dr Leechman, 
Principal of the University of Glasgow, arrived in America. 
Arrival of Capt Thomas fr. West Indies. Jonathan Palfrey begged 
Ch : Baptism. I was measured for a Suit of Cloathes. 

March 5. Note for Mr Gunnerson by his Wife Hannah & chil- 
dren & for Son at Sea. Caution for Edmund Whittemore. Arrived, 
Capt Adam Welman. 

[45] Letter to my Father. 

Salem, March 7, 1786. 
My dear father ; 

I am not so insensible to my duty, as not to feel and to 
regard every lesson of reproof, I received from you. So firmly am 
I persuaded, after all things which have happened, that you are my 
friend, that I should instantly plead guilty, & beg forgiveness, could 
I not see clearly the true cause why you have represented my 
conduct in so odious light. 

Burdened in the decline of life with coils you never deserved, ev- 
erything looks adverse to you. Hence my want of affection is sus- 
pected, because at a critical hour all my resources failed, as well as 
your own. As there was no real cause, why I should leave my 
affection, you assigned poverty as the probable one. But duty to 
parents is so essential to my religion, that were my parents vaga- 
bonds, how much more when they truely deserve reverence, they 
would find me disposed to the utmost of my power to relieve & as- 
sist them. No, Sir, I love you still, and whatever shall happen, will 
love you forever. [46] You know, Sir, the true cause of my ad- 
herence to my Grandfather, & know it to be a sufficient one. The 
time will come, when you will as much applaud me in it, as you 
now fear my motives in it. Time will prove I have been a friend 
to you in it, & time is the best interpreter of the actions of men. 
Should the best friend I have on earth, advise me to neglect, or 
prejudice my parents, I would renounce Him forever. 

The only reason, why I have not punctually fulfilled my engage- 
ment to my brother, has been my utter inability. My day book, 
my applications to my friends, & the conduct of my Committee, can 
attest this truth. If I did not speak truth, it would be easy to con- 
vict me. 

I have received a letter from my brother this week. Before the 
week is out I will send him ten dollars. I wish to know precisely 
how much he really needs from me at present, because it is extreme- 
ly difficult to raise money, & especially to appropriate it, when 
one's own [47] circumstances are embarassed. 

with sacred regard to my parents 

& brethren & Sisters your obed* : Son. 

This letter was written after repeated letters to my Father, on 
account of the most cruel censures, which a father could allege 



30 DIARY OF [1786 

against a Son. That I despised him in his poverty, & neglected rny 
Brother to whom I promised assistance — from which brother I have 
received the most impudent letters ever written to the most Bil- 
lingsgate rascal who ever existed. I shewed the letters to a Lady 
of my acquaintance, & that I might not be stimulated by just re- 
sentment to expose them hereafter, in her presence I committed 
them to the flames. There is a personal quarrel between my 
Grandfather & Benefactor, & my Father from whom I have experi- 
enced, what Christianity obliges me conceal. God forgive him. It 
is to be hoped that I may be able so to conduct for the future, as at 
least to escape evil reports from my parents. 

[48] Mr Lathe joined the N. Sn g School, & Mr Wallis accepted 
an invitation. Without any regard to my letter sent to my father, 
which perhaps was not communicated, I received another from my 
Brother Thomas which I answered. My Brother, I have received 
your letter of the 8th & not of the 6th instant. In consequence of 
which I have borrowed of several friends the sum, which I have 
now sent to you. I have taken no notice of what I have given be- 
fore, & I now declare that I shall consider myself free of all obliga- 
tion to advance any sum or sums of money for the future. I am 
entering life as well as yourself, I have nothing beside my profes- 
sion to depend upon, & really need assistance as well as yourself. 
Pray never let me receive another letter upon the subject of money, 
as I shall answer to no such letter. From him, who is willing to 
do his duty, but must remember [49] himself, your Brother. 

S. March 9, 1786. 

& the sum of fifty dollars, give Burrill a receipt. I wrote a let- 
ter also to Capt Ridgway which contained little except the two 
preceding letters. 

March 12. Note for Uncle Frank, sick. Nich. Lane, delivery. 

On Saturday March 11, I was visited by Mr Burnum & Col. Wade 
fr Ipswich on the subject of the Convention at Charlestown on May 
last, the result of which has been printed, & which I have never 
seen, & the result of which as it was not determined by the vote of 
the delegates of Essex Lodge in person or by their proxy, Professor 
Warren, I could not judge of. Monday was at Bevd Holt's. Let- 
ter to Hall, printer, Boston. Mr Hall, I propose to take with your 
excellent paper, Thomas's Worcester Gazette. You would much 
oblige a constant customer, if you would give directions to have the 
W. G. left at your office, & transmitted [50] regularly with your 
paper to Salem. Pray desire that it may be sealed, & all charges 
shall be paid punctually by the Subs : who with highest personal 
respect is your humble Sev* 

To the President of the University. 

It is the first & may be the only occasion, on which I may apply 
to the University for a dispensation in favor of an undergraduate 
& did not his existence plead for it, I had now been silent. 




5 



1786] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 31 

Gibaut is thought by his friends at Salem to be in such habit as 
requires an experiment of Sea air. His friends were dissuaded by 
my solicitations last fall from an application to the University for 
his absence, as he could then have taken a long voiage with an ex- 
cellent friend. His present necessities oblige his application at this 
time, & it is my earnest request in behalf of a worthy family & for 
an only Son, that he might be indulged with all submission and 
reverence, to the Government of the University be it referred. Mr. 
P. with the highest personal esteem & with regard to your public 
character R. Dr. Willard. your devoted servant. 

[51] To James Winthrop Esq r , Librarian, &c. my friend, I have 
written to the P. in behalf of Gibaut.* He is in extreme danger, 
without doubt, of losing life, & our last & only hope is from the 
advantages of a voiage. He has an excellent oppertunity for a 
long & healthy one from the friendship of E. H. Derby his uncle, 
which I would by no means advice him to neglect. If ever I speak 
my sentiments it is on this occasion, if indulgence can consist with 
wisdom, assist me in gaining my request. As your knowlidge of 
the youth will confirm what I have asserted, I rest persuaded that 
you will not conceive my request uureasonable. 

your sincere friend. 

To the Schoolmaster. March 14. My good friend Mr. Watson, 
Upon your determination to leave the East public School, I have 
been desired to preside in person in said school until the Committee 
have a reasonable time to enquire for & obtain a man of competent 
abilities to supply your place. [52] The zeal I showed for your ad- 
vancement to it, declared fully my regard to the institution, & to 
your person. I have still the same sentiments of both. Tho' I 
prefer a private to a public School & would urge all who can afford 
the former, to endeavor after it, yet so great a majority cannot 
afford the expence, that I feel myself obliged to declare that I am 
zealous to establish the liberal institution of a Free School upon 
the best foundation in my Society, & do really consider this insti- 
tution as the most noble, which my sphere of action presents to 
my patronage, with the warmest love & most hearty wishes of 
success, your obliged friend, W. B. 9 o'clock. 

According to direction I will wait upon you, & receive the School 
at your hands at eleven. 

[53] Accordingly I went at eleven A. M. and found the School 
dismissed under the excuse of a Launching. In the afternoon I 
presided, & found the utmost confusion. On the next day I pro- 
vided four boys to rule the books to whom I gave the front middle 
Seat. I assigned the writing branch to Mr. Jon a Snelling, the As- 
sistant Master. Dismissed 40 reading boys into the East End, & 
appointed the precise place of the boys, to write & cypher. 

•John, son of Capt. Edward Gibaut. 



32 DIARY OF [1786 

Tuesday buried from a Vessel in the harbour a Child on its pas- 
sage to the River Sheepscut, by the name of Blackmore. 

As further regulations in the School March 15, I altered the time 
of the School terms, from 8 to 11 A. M. & from 1 to 4 P. M. 
After Prayer, heard all the boys read in turn, then [54] sent them 
in their Classes to the Writing Desk to receive Copies, or [Sh'ts?] 
& to the Boys on their return to rule their Books. Then mended 
all the Pens. Forbid except only in cases of necessity any boys to 
go out of the School, till this was done, & then only three at a 
time. Forbid any boy to converse or associate with any boys, who, 
not belonging to the School, should be found loitering round the 
School, in the School terms. 

March 19. Sunday. Notes for death of Mr. Gunnerson, by his 
wife & Son Elisha, & for daugh : absent. 

On this Sunday morning preached memoriter, because I could 
not write out an whole discourse on account of my School. N. 
with great velocity. On Wednesday morning Mr. Lang the School 
Master took the School, & I attended with him. [55] On Wed- 
nesday had a letter from Hon. G. Cabot informing me of 
the Arrival of my "Don Quickotte" from Spain at Providence. 
Inclosed his letter & the Bill of Lading in a letter to my G. Father 
Paine. News from the Ship for Africa, Capt Robinson Commander ; 
dead on board the Captain, the Doctor & Mr Israel Dodge of Salem . 
Additional regulations in School. All private Rulers & Plummetts 
forbid. The great hand condemned, & single lines from 12 to 18 
required on each page. Method of going out, one from each School, 
& on occasion a special license to a third. An Answer 22d to G. 
Cabot Esq' by Rev d McKeen. 

Continuation of Rules for School. Reasons for beginning School 
at one o'clock in the afternoon. 

1. That at one all the people dine, [56] & from that hour until 
two the children are collecting, & form parties for conversation & 
divertion, & commonly are more noisy in the afternoon. If the 
School be open to receive them at one, they are upon duty without 
oppertunity for dissipation, after they leave their families & so are 
better subjected to good order. 

2. At one, Public notice is given through the town of the hour, 
& as there are few clocks & watches in the Town in families, there 
can be no other certain time of collecting. 

3. It is best to have one hour of beginning through the year, & 
no other consists with a term of three hours for two thirds of the 
year. 

4. In the Summer Season Children are apt to go in to bathe in the 
water immediately after dinner, which is a pernicious custom, & is 
hereby prevented, & lastly, [57] it is best to prevent Children from 
being too much crammed with animal food which is hereby easily 



1786] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 33 

prevented on the four days in which there is a School-Term in the 
afternoon. 

March 26. Notes. George Dodge, death of Brother. Mary 
Cloutman, death of daughter. Stephen Cloutman, death of Sister. 
John Brown, delivery. Benjamin Gale & wife, him sick. 

" In the above reasons for one o'clock I add, that it affords the 
master a more convenient Quarter School." In the course of the 
last month Brother Hiller,* & myself were appointed as a Commit- 
tee to wait upon the Grand Lodge, & to enquire respecting the de- 
mands made upon our Lodge, & to decide the fate of our Essex 
Lodge ! ! ! 

[58] About sunset April 1, Saturday, came on a violent storm of 
snowf with an high N. E. wind, which continued till Sunday 2 
o'clock p. m. There were few persons at Church, & no woman in 
the morning. Bickford's store blown from a Coal wharf on the west 
side of North Bridge, & a lintel from Palfrey's house below the 
East meeting-house. A Schooner ashore on Thursday night upon 
Baker's Islands breakers, from the West Indies, belonging to Bev- 
erly. The Vessel & Cargo lost, hands saved. Came ashore on 
Saturday night a Schooner belonging to Boston, with a crew from 
Cape Ann, & all on board perished. The wreck & some bodies 
were found upon Tinker's Island off Marblehead-neck. They were 
from Bilboa, Capt Davis. Sailed April 4, Capt Boardman, & Capt 
McGregore. 

[59] Arrived, Capt Waters, sold Vessel. Sailed, Capt Boardman 
for W. I. 

[59] Fast. Notes. Wid : Marg : Clark, death of her daughter & 
Son at Sea. Eliz : Parsons, death of M rs Clark, husb : at Sea. 

April 9. Sunday. Went up into Town to change with Mr Ber- 
nard, I returned disappointed through mistake. Note. Hannah 
Collin's, delivery, husb. at Sea. 

In the fall of 1784 appeared in America a Mr Hazlitt, who was 
of Ireland, & had been educated at Glasgow, & settled as a dissent- 
ing Clergyman in Banden in Ireland, & in Maidstone in Kent, 
England. He is a man of good natural abilities, & of excessive 
zeal, & having adopted the Socinian opinions of Mr Lindsey, did 
not hesitate in soon making his sentiments well known. In his 
own Country he has published an " Essay on the Justice of God," 
which is a good clerical performance. He afterwards published 
two sermons on Human Authority in matters of faith in vindica- 
tion of himself [60] against the disapprobation which attended the 
delivery of the sermons in a dissenting Congregation ; he is said 
also to have published in the monthly review. Upon his arrival 
at Philadelphia he published with some of his own addresses as 
Editor, Priestley's Appeal, Elwall's Trial, & the Arg : against 

•Major Joseph Hiller. 

t A p ril 3, 1786 the enow was six feet deep In Boston. 



34 DIARY OF [1786 

Trin : & Arian hypotheses. Was patronized by Dr. Ewins, so as to 
bring the Dr's just credit into dispute in the Gazette charging him 
as wishing to bring heresy into their college. Being unfavorably 
received at Philadelphia, he came to Boston, & in the vacancy of 
Dr. Cooper's Church was employed, till he rendered himself odious 
by his heresy to some, & his zealous wiggism to others. Upon the 
settlement of Mr Thacher in that Society, he preached among the 
neighboring Clergy, particularly at Hingham, & was, after numer- 
ous publications, & debates in the Gazettes, & Magazine, invited to 
Hallowell, in the county of Lincoln, where he is now waiting their 
determinations. [61] While at Boston he attached himself to the 
ingenious Mr Freeman, now reader at the King's Chapel, & led that 
worthy man to some hasty measures in revising the Liturgy, which 
may prove fatal to his establishment in that Society. He attacked 
the doctrine of the Trinity in the Gazettes, & particularly inveighed 
against Parker, an ambitious and popular preacher at the Trinity 
Church, & soon was loaded with the abuse, which Gazette printing 
brings with it. From Hallowell he has published a Thanksgiving 
Sermon. In going to Hallowell, he went near the infamous Dr 
Whitaker, who was settled at Norwich in Connecticut, & afterwards 
at Salem in the Massachusetts, & who became known by his con- 
nection with the Wheelock Indian College, finally fixed in Hanover 
upon the Connecticut in the Cohoss, & within the Newhampshire 
Government. This Whitaker went to England in [ ] with the 
[ndian Preacher Occum, with whom he has since differed & [62] in 
1769 settled at Salem where he managed a controversy with his 
people (who divided & part separated from him) in favor of Pres- 
byterianism. He then managed the controversy of " imputed right- 
eousness " with a Mr Hart of Connecticut. During the War pub- 
lished sermons against the Tories, as the friends to Government 
were called, & libels against the British Government. But at 
length by privateering a continued course of dissolute manners & 
the low vices, he became infamous & his people shut their doors 
against him. A Council was conveened, the Doctor condemned, & 
pamphlets published between the Doctor, and a Mr Cleveland of 
Ipswich in behalf of the council. The Doctor had the last word 
against his insignificant antagonist. Upon this violent expulsion 
he went into the Eastern Country, to a settlement far up the Ken- 
nebeck called Canaan into which he intruded by his semblance of 
orthodoxy. From thence he interfered with Mr Hazlitt, who wrote 
to [63] him, as follows. Sir, you will not suppose that any person, 
who is acquainted at Salem, would wish to make known, or to vin- 
dicate his character to you. But with a friendly intention, I cau- 
tion you, in future to meddle less than you have done with the 
characters of those who are wiser & better than yourself. (H^ 3 per- 
sons who had been censured by Dr. Whitaker, & who recommended 
Mr. Hazlitt.) You have called Dr Priestley an infamous fellow, & 




REV. NATHANIEL WHITAKER. 



Pastor of the Tabernacle Church, Salem, I 769-1 784. He was the first to 

introduce Presbyterian doctrines into Salem. From the portrait, 

probably by Chamberlain, now in possession of 

Dartmouth College. 



1786] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 35 

have classed him with the Devil as his Compeer. Upon what foun- 
dation have you done this? Had Dr. Priestley been ever known to 
be a frequenter of Stews? Has he been known to have debauched 
the young women of his congregation under the pretence of convert- 
ing them? Was he ever char[g]eable with a single fraud, or a single 
lie. Can you insinuate a single circumstance against him, unless 
that he has more learning & real religion, than ten thousand Whit- 
akers, or that he does not, like you, believe exactly as his nurse has 
taught, or as the Westminster [64] divines believed 150 years ago? 
Endeavor to establish your own character, & leave that of other 
men to the judgment of those who have had proper opportunities 
of investigating it. Besides Whitaker a certain J. Murray, who 
forged his credentials & has been repeatedly censured by Ecclesias- 
tical bodies, who settled in the Eastern Country, & there ruled un- 
controverted, as there were few other Clergymen near him, & has 
since removed to Newbury Port, by virtue of his popular talents, & 
verbosity, this M. attempted by a Mr Noble to improve his interest 
ag : Mr Hazlitt, to whom H. wrote, as follows. Sir, I understand 
that you have taken particular notice of me. I could not therefore 
pass through this town without taking some notice of you. A 
Gentleman of Hallowell where I am now going, informed me, that 
when he was on his way to Boston, he met a man, called Noble, 
who told him, that, under your direction, he was going to Hallo- 
well, to preach, [65] because you had acquainted him that I had 
been there, & that I was a deist, or very nearly a deist. You should 
I think, keep within your own precinct, & not meddle with other 
men's matters. You should not throw out calumniating reflections 
upon a man, with whom you are totally unacquainted, & who has 
never given himself any concern about you. You should not charge 
me with Deism, unless you could prove, that I had forged my cre- 
dentials, that I had endeavored by palpable falsehoods to support 
the forgery a succession of years, & that after I had been repeatedly 
silenced by the Ecclesiastical bodies, with whom I was connected, I 
still had the impudence, to open my mouth in all places, where I 
could have admission, & to p\rblish all the lies, which my imagina- 
tion furnished against those, whom I chose to brand as heretics. 
Presbyterian lies have lost some of their force. Those who have 
forfeited all pretentions to character should learn a little modesty. 
I have nothing to do with your stupid Calvanism, or with your anti- 
scriptural [66] Scotch Church. Attend more to yourself, and 
leave the friends of truth to their own enquiries. I can say more 
if you chuse to provoke me. At present I have only time to say, 
that I dispise all self-important, malicious intermeddlers, & that I 
am your well wisher. 

Directions to Mr Monville. Mr Duval de Monville adresse a Mr 
Jean Jacques Minyer negt. sur la fosse a Nantes, France. Mr Du- 
val de M. fils sur ses terres quartier de la rivierre Pilotte, Martini- 



36 DIARY OF [1786 

co. Mr. Duval de M. fils sur ses terres plaine du fond isle a Vaclie 
aux cayes, St Dominque. returned from Sea, Chever & Welman. 

April 12. Sailed John Gibaut in the horse Brig, Capt Buffing- 
ton. Collection at fast April 6, 25 dollars. Sailed Pierce for West 
Indies. 

April 21. On friday morning at 4 o'clock a fire was discovered 
in a painter's [67] Shop belonging to Mr Gray, situated on the 
Great Street. The fire had communicated to the whole building, & 
particularly to the back part, improved below for West India 
Goods, & above for an hay loft by which accident the Building, & 
all it contained, were consumed, & an adjacent building, improved 
by a Mr Welsh as a dwelling house. A building which had been 
improved by Mr Welsh as a School, & as such by the Singers of the 
East Proprietary, was much injured, & several houses took fire. 

[70] April 22. Attended the funeral of child belonging to one 
Toppelin. From April 15, Friday, to April 25, a continued series 
of foul dirty weather. At the end of April a plan for extending 
knowledge of arts & sciences two hours every day for Classic Stud- 
ies. — And two parts of days for Philosophy &c. 

April 30. Notes. N. Brown from Sea & death of his mother. 
Mansf : Burril & wife, d : of his mother & friends at Sea. 

Altered beginning of evening service till the autumnal Equinox 
from two, to three o'clock. Proposed on account of the Preacher 
to change the form of religious service by introducing a Psalm to 
be sung immediately after sermon in both exercises, that the 
Preacher may have a proper interval between his sermon & the 
concluding prayers. Proposed on all returns of the Communion, to 
have a short discourse [71] after the distribution of the Wine, as a 
substitute to any lecture in the week time. The reasons offered 
were, that a preacher without a family could not attend to them 
in the usual forms, & because people could not leave their business 
on such occasions. Another reason might be added that the lec- 
tures are a relick of superstition and their visible abuse is constant- 
ly before our eyes. Go not thou in their paths. 

May 1. Returned, Collins & Patterson. 

May 2. Tuesday morning, the bell for the first time since I 
have been in Salem rung at five o'clock. The hint of industry. 
Last Sunday night week was buried Francis Cabot an eminent mer- 
chant in Salem, & this evening a Maiden Sister to the Gardiners. 
Received April 29 the Madrid Edition of Don Quixotte from Spain 
pr f . of G. Cabot. 

May 7. Sunday. Notes for W m Paterson returned, & child's d : 
in his absence. Widow M. Andrews, d : of Sister. 

On May 9. Attended the association at Cape Ann at Mr. Forbes' 
the place so much agitated by the controversy between [72] Mr 
Forbes, & J. Murray the Universalist. The assembly was decently 
filled, but only by Mr Forbes' party. The worship was serious. 



1786] KEV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 37 

The music excellent. Mr M c Keen preached. The sermon pleased. 
After a good dinner we visited the several parts of the town, the 
Rope- walk, the Spermaceti works, the fort, upon anole which pro- 
jects into the harbour, opposite to a small island. The whole 
scene was agreeable. Visited at Capt Pierce's & returned with Mr 
Rhust the same day. 

On Monday the 8 th received a Son of Capt "Fiske into my Study. 
In answer to Mr Cushing's Letter from Charlestown, respecting 
the printing of P. Sewall's Latin Translation of the first Night of 
Young's Night Thoughts I wrote, Mr Cushing, 

May 9, 1786. I thank you for transmitting the "Subscription 
papers." I have a high esteem of Professor Sewall's critical abili- 
ties, & set a proper value upon recommendations. I must howev- 
er think it an unseasonable time of life for him to engage in such 
[73] a work, not only on account of the nature of the work, but in 
regard to the reputation of so eminent a man. In so great a man 
it is mere trifling. If it can however be agreable to him to publish 
such a work, & he will use your press, you may rely on me to re- 
ceive a dozen copies, or on any services by which a gentleman of 
your merit may be encouraged. I have no literary men in my so- 
ciety, upon whom I can depend for encouragement to such a work. 
I will therefore deliver the subscription papers to Mr Bernard* & 
Prince, begging a prudent use of my sentiments, I am sincerely 
yours. I will notify you of the success of the Subscription Papers. 

On May 13, was buried from the Almshouse, Provided Carroll, 
aet. 83. old age. she has left G-. children. Eeturned, Capt. Moses 
Townsend. Sailed, Capt. Rich : Hodges. 

16 th Arrived, Capt W m Fairfield. Undertook for three days, 
the School in the absence of Master Lang. 

[74] 20 th Arrived, Capt Allen from Carolina. 

22. Attended from Almshouse the funeral of a natural child : 
which died of convulsions, set. 6 weeks, belong 8 to Sally Glover. 

25. Attended the funeral of an indian woman from the work 
house ; she was found dead in a swamp in the Great Pasture, upon 
a search directed by the discovery of bloody clothes lying near the 
Swamp. She has travelled in company with a pretended Indian 
Doctor, in the character of a wife. He is apprehended. 

29. Died, Madam Greenleaf, relick of Dr. John, a good old 
friend. Public notice was given in the prints that an account of M r 
Gallatin's fate was earnestly desired by his friends at Geneva. The 
power to adjust his accounts at Cambridge, has issued so unfavor- 
ably & I was so obliged to depend on M r Hale, that I thought all 
notice from me would be impertinent. 

[76] On Tuesday 30, went for Boston. At Newhalls', Lynn, 
1/6. ferry, 14 d 1/2. Expenses of Madrid Quixotte. 12/. Pounce 

•Minister at the North church, Salem. 



38 DIARY OF [1786 

& Boxes. 2/4. Eeviews from Feb* 1785, 12 N bs 20/. Larkin's, 
Lettering, &c. 8/. Passage, 6/. Copperplate Slips for writing, 5/. 
At Convention, 6/. Cambridge in Company, 3/8. At Vendue pur- 
chased, 12 Books, 1/5 ; gave them to Cap 18 Adams & Ridgeway. 
Lightfoots harmony, 2/. Johnson's Unb : Sacrifice, 2/. Water- 
land's Sermons, 1/. Sandeman on Marriage, 1/6. Present from 
M rs Adams, 2d V. of Clergyman's Vade mecum. 

Returned with child of Capt Adams ; passage & ferry, 9/9. [77] 
paid towards Charlestown paper to Cushing, 6/8. Engaged to re- 
ceive of Martin, Gay's Fables, 8vo. neat. Collection of Elegant 
engraving for writing, &c. &c. 1/2 a Ream of thick 4to Post paper. 
Left order with my G. Father, for two neat Copy Books for boys. 
M r West of Needhain preached at the Election. Dr. Hemmenway 
at the Convention. 

June 4. Note for Mr Whittemore sick. 

June 7. Received from James Winthrop,* A terrestrial Globe 
17 inches diameter much rubbed at the southern parts without se- 
curity in the north, & without a quadrant of altitude. It is said 
to be the property of M r Vernon. 

[78] June 11. Note. Nathan Brown for his wife's delivery. 
On Monday 12, was buried Madam Pickman, Widow Col. Pick- 
man, aged 75. A very respectacle Character. This week, Doctor 
Spofford of Beverly died. All sense but Common Sense. 

June 17. E. Masury, delivery, husband & brothers at Sea. Sa- 
rah Masury, Sick, Husb. & Sons at Sea. Richard Manning jun r , 
her delivery. Richard Dighton & Wife, death of her father Whit- 
temore, friends at Sea. Mary Welman, death of her G. Child & 
for two Sons at Sea. 

Went to Boston on June 17 to attend the ceremonies of passing 
the bridge over the Charles from Prince Street. The procession 
was at two P. M. in the following order. 

The Artillery Company. 

The Mechanics with the tools of their occupation. 
[79] The Proprietors of the Bridge. 

The Band of Music. 

The Sheriff, &c. 

The Governor. 

Council. 

Senate. 

House of Representatives. 

Civil officers of the Towns. 

Clergy. 

Gentlemen of learned Professions. 

Merchants, & private gentlemen. 
Above 800 dined upon Breed's Hill. There was a great Con- 

*Of Cambridge ; son of Prof. John Winthrop, LL. D. 



1786] 



REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 



39 



course, & uncommon good order throughout the day. The Bells 
rang. Cannon were discharged, & flags displayed on the Bridge, 
& adjacent hills, & the neighboring Steeples. The music was ex- 
cellent, &c. Returned the same day. 

[80] A discription of Charlestown bridge as given in the 
Charlestown Gazette of June 20, 1786, taken from actual survey. 

feet 



The Abutment at Charlestown from the old landing 

Space to the first pier 

36 Piers at equal distances to the draw 

Width of the draw 

39 Piers at equal distances 

Whole number of Piers 

Space to the Abutment at Boston 

Abutment at Boston to the old landing 



100 

16 1-2 
622 1-2 

30 
672 

75 

161-2 

451-2 



Whole length feet 1503 

Each Pier is composed of seven sticks of oak timber, united by a 
cap piece strong braces, & girts & secured by a single pile drive ob- 
liquely to a solid bottom on each side the Pier, all driven to the 
bottom of the River [81] and connected together by large string 
pieces, & covered with four inch oak plank. The bridge is 42 feet 
wide, & on each side a passage of six feet width is railed in for 
foot passengers. The Bridge rises two feet in the middle, has for- 
ty lamps, & four stone wharves connected with three piers each. 

The following minutes give the exact distance on the east side 
from the floor of the bridge to the bed of the river, beginning on 
Charlestown side. [Measurements between each pier, appearing in 
the original are here omitted.] 

[85] Died on Tuesday June 20, M" Lee of Beverly, sister to 
the Cabots. At Salem, June 23, Joseph Blaney Esq r .* 

July 1. Scetched a petition to the University for Cap' Dodge of 
Wenham in behalf of his son. 

July 2. Notes. Sarah Masury & daughter, death of her Hus- 
band, & Sons at Sea. James Brown, death of Pather Masury & 
brethren at Sea. Elisha Gunnison & Wife, safe delivery & death 
of the child. 

July 8. Went to exchange at Billerica in company with Silsbee 
Capt N. & his Lady & a Miss Felt, dined at Rogers in Tewkesbury, 
visited Kitteridge & lodged at Billerica. Lodged at Boardman's 
on the my return, Sunday night, & arrived at Salem ten o'clock 
Monday — nothing new. Note of Daniel Cloutman & Wife, death 
of Child. 

A Curious petition in print circulated in favor of a Doctor 



•See Essex Institute Hist. Colls, vol. VI. p. 104. 



40 DIARY OF [1786 

Stearns, of Paxton, a Refugee, imprisoned in Worcester Gaol, de- 
livered by me to the Committee. 

[86] July 16. Notes for Benj a Gale, sick & for James Carroll's 
wife, delivery. 

Went to Commencement on Tuesday & returned on Saturday. 
Preached on Sunday following for Mr Prince. NewhalPs, 1/10. 
Perquisite res, 12/. Cushing for "Nocte Cogitata", one dozen, 8/. 
Cambridge Chaise, 9/. Capt Moses to Castle, 6/8. Settled Gi- 
bauts accounts. Acknowlidged to have received from E. Jackson 
Esq r ninety pounds from Little Cambridge to Mellen. 

Notes of W. Mary Emerton, for death of Sister & son at Sea. 
Praucis Boardman for delivery. James Brown, wife & Sister, 
death of Mother Masury, & [87] Brothers at Sea. Wid : Lydia 
Beadle, death of Masury & Sus : Beadle, death of Sister Beadle & 
friends at Sea. 

Aug. 6. Lydia Pierce, death of her husband. Mary Berry, 
death of her Brother Pierce & f : son at Sea. W. Hannah Gunner- 
son, d : of G. child. John Gunnerson & wife, death of their young- 
est child. Sam : Masury from sea, for death of Father & Mother, 
& Brothers at Sea. According to Mr Webster about 730 Dwelling 
houses in Salem. 

Aug. 13. Mary Lauchlin, delivery, husband at Sea. Anne Gale 
& children for death of Son. Martha Gale, death of husband, & 
brethren at Sea. Mary Crowninshield & children, d. of Son in Law 
& Sons at Sea. 

[88] Distributed in this season a dozen of Mr Hazlitt's Sermons 
from Hallowell. This day I christened for the first time, a Child 
of Capt Josiah Orne in the family, having first propounded the 
Child in the afternoon Service, in this form, " I announce the in- 
tention of baptising the Child," &c. 

Aug. 27. Wid. Mary Lambert, death of G. Child & G. Sons at 
Sea. Thomas Diman & Wife for her Sister sick. For delivery. 
Jon a Archer & wife & friends at Sea. Thomas Rue & Wife & 
Brother long absent. Mary Bateman & husb & Br. at Sea. 

Letter to Capt Cordis, Aug. 31. 
Sir: 

It affords me great pleasure to find a youth for whom I have an 
unfeigned esteem in the charge of a Gentleman whose politeness, 
tenderness, & abilities qualify him to be both a guardian and a 
friend. An affectionate regard [89] to M rs Ives has fixed more 
firmly my attachment to Master Thomas, who engaged my affec- 
tions when at School & when his friends were unknown. A report 
has indirectly reached Madam Poynton, that Thomas was sick at 
Providence, which has occasioned great uneasiness to Madam & 
the Sisters. You would relieve the minds of all the friends, if you 
could return an answer this day, what your information is, & what 
are your apprehensions, & if you should judge it best that he 



1786] BEV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 41 

should return among his friends, till his recovery, I stand ready to 
perform any services in my power &c, Sir, with great personal es- 
teem, & pleasing reflections on your relation to my young friend, 

your devoted Servant. 

Sept. 3 d . Caleb Bangs, Wife sick. Mary Hutcheson, death of 
husband & of Sister Trask. Widow Ab : Porter, death of brother 
Hutcheson & Sister Trask. 

[90] Letter to my father upon another demand of money. 
Salem, Sept. 6. My father, I received yours of the 4 th instant this 
afternoon. I have sent you seven dollars by Burril which is all 
the money I can command. You must consider my circumstances 
will not enable me to answer frequent demands of money, & that at 
present I absolutely depend on health, for an existence one degree 
above absolute poverty. Sir, your obedient Son. W. B. My duty 
to my Mama & reg: to the fam : Letter to Capt Ridge way after men- 
tioning the affairs, you see how things go, & how I need a Casuist 
to enable me to decide, when duty to myself is inconsistent with 
submission to an unfeeling parent. At the Proprieters meeting was 
the following appointment of Wardens. Whereas it is impractica- 
ble at present to supply the [91] office of Deacon, & whereas it is 
prudent at all times, to free the minister from censure, which will 
unavoidably be incurred in the use of any discretionary power, 

Be it agreed, that two persons be chosen annually as Wardens, 
belonging to the Church or Congregation, being resident proprie- 
tors through the year, & of the Standing Committee, if convenient, 
which Wardens shall recommend such discretionary proceedings to 
the minister, as do not incur expence, or interfere with any prac- 
tices grounded on any former legal proceedings of the proprietors, 
& that the recommendations of such wardens, shall be considered 
as justifying the minister till the Committee for the time being, or 
proprietors order otherwise. 

Sept. 10. Passed upon Sept. 28, 1812. Notes. Benj a Dean & 
wife, death of child & friends at Sea. Wid : Mary Collins, death 
of G. Child & friends at Sea. 

[92] D r Lathrop, accept my thanks for the 2 d Vol : of Gerard's Ser- 
mons " I like the 4 th s : best, not because it is new, but because it is 
familiarly true. The Sermons in answer to Hume, do not distinguish 
sufficiently between what clergymen are, & what they might be, &c." 

13th. On Wednesday went to Boston on account of the illness 
of my G : Father, received in consideration of 6/8, ten family pic- 
tures. Bought Boileau for 14/ — 4 Vol. 

Wednesday, 20 th , experienced the resentment of the Schoolmas- 
ter in resigning the office of Treasurer, on account of the late 
revolution in the School. 

At Boston, Sept. 23. This afternoon the Church of England 
read over their Liturgy with the proposed alterations of the late 
Episcopal Convention. The principal are, the omission in the 



42 DIARY OF [1786 

Apostle's Creed of the Article, " he descended into hell." The en- 
tire ommission of the Athanasian & Nicene Creeds. The frequent 
repetition of the Lord's prayer is not to be continued. The phrase 
[93] " Didst not abhor the Virgin's womb " in the Te Deum is 
softened. In the responses Save the Church is substituted in the 
place of Save the King. The attribute of God in the prayer for 
the Clergy, who dost "great marvels," is differently expressed. 
And a few other faint efforts at a reformation. These alterations 
are to be determined on by the vestry, Oct. 18. The prayers for 
the government are by the alteration of names, in the Litany in- 
stead of King & Council, governor, and council, & instead of magis- 
trates, the judges, & subordinate magistrates, &c. 

Had a fire in the evening of Sept 19 th . Returned from Sea, H. 
Elkins, & R. Hodges. 

Letter to Master Hunt, Sept. 21, 1786. 

My dear Sir, please to return to General Palmer " The Liturgy," 
which accompanies this letter. When I see you I will make an 
apology for detain 5 it so long, & for returning it in a form, differ- 
ent from that in which I received it. My knowlidge [94] of G. P. 
I consider, as one of the many advantages I received from living 
in your family, & while I entertain the most sincere respect, I can- 
not prevent the most sensible regret at any of his misfortunes. 
With many thanks to the G : believe me your dev : Pupil. 

Capt Moses Townsend returned from Sea. 

24. Returned, Capt Benj a Hodges. In consequence of an agree- 
ment with Mr. Bernard & Mr. Prince, there is a monthly lecture 
established, & the terms come quarterly, to our house on the last 
Wednesday of September, December, March, & June. The first lec- 
ture was 27 ins : 

To D r Lothrop. Sept. 28, 1786. 

Rev d D r , when I was in Boston last, I waited upon Master Davis, 
to examine a Catalogue of D r Mather's books, which he had taken. 
In the Cat : I found two vol : of Baronius mentioned, which may 
be the absent Vol : of your Collection. It cannot be amiss to ques- 
tion Master Davis on the subject, & when you do it, I wish you 
would remind him of his promise to borrrow in his own name the 
Serm : of Bellarmino [95] & Fleshier. I am happy in the high 
encomium your services have received at Salem & remain sincerely 
yours. W. Bentley. 

The two first wardens chosen in our society were Capt Benj a 
Ward, & Mr William Brown, both of the Communion. 

To the Commitee. 
Gentlemen, 

If the Committee should conclude to assign a pew or pews, to 
the aged poor, on the floor of the house, it is requested, to prevent 
abuse of the privilege, that such aged poor be permitted to sit in 
them, as shall obtain leave of the wardens, & that the seats so dis- 



1786] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 43 

posed of, be held during good behavier, & without giving any right 
to children, or any other person, to whom they may resign them, 
without the consent of the wardens. not presented. 

Oct. 1. Notes. Caleb Bangs, death of wife. Mary Griffin, d. of 
Sister Bangs. First Collection at Communion, a Guinea. For 
ten days in succession, clear & hot weather, resembling July. 
Oct. 2. Lodge met at my house to consider the state of the Fund. 
[96] A list of the members present. 
Joseph Hiller. B. W. M. Major. 
William Lang. Shopkeeper. 
Benjamin Warren. Capt : of a Vessel. 
Joseph Vincent. Capt. Ropemaker. 
John Becket. Boatbuilder. 
Jon a Mason jun r . Capt. of a Vessel. 
Benj a Crowninshield. Capt. 
Benj a Hodges. Capt. 
John Collins. Capt. 
Henry Elkins. Capt. 

A visiting B. from Newbury, Capt. Noyes. 
Oct. 8. Notes. Marg. White, d : of Sister Townsend & John 
Dorson & wife & prayers for son at Sea. 

Application was made after the evening service, to obtain Pri- 
vate Baptism for the adults of a family named Vandehook, by M r 
Smith, one of the Church. But as previous application had been 
made to the Clergyman of the English Church, & there was a dis- 
appointment, for unknown reasons, the matter was [97] referred to 
one of the wardens, Mr. Ward, & judged by him, not a proper case 
to proceed in. 

N. See April last, proceeded & altered the form of a former reso- 
lution & appropriated. 

Monday some, part for Greek, & Tuesday for freneh, & Wednes- 
day for Latin, & Thursday for Spanish or Italian & Friday for 
German, dutch, Sclavonian & their various dialects, & Saturday & 
Sunday for Philology in relation to the Versions, & Texts of the 
Hebrew & Greek Sacred Scriptures. 

Oct. 9. Began course of evening Lectures upon Geography, 
English Language, &c. Arrived this week, Capts Knights, Orne, 
Waters, Allen jun r . 

Notes. Penn Townsend, d. of Wife. 

Oct. 16. Was Cut down the great Elm Tree at the Corner of the 
Street, facing the Common & leading to S' Peters Church. [98] 
Continuation respecting Hazlitt. The natural severity of Mr H's 
temper prevented his success at Hallowell, & he returned to Wey- 
mouth, then removed to Dorchester & then embarked for England, 
as his letter testifies in Oct. 1786. He printed at Falmouth a ser- 
mon under the signature of Bereanus Theosebes, upon " God man- 
ifest in the flesh." This publication tended neither to the success 



44 diary op [1786 

of his Scheme, nor to his reputation. Application for private bap- 
tism by one Wood, referred to the Wardens. Wrote to D r Lathrop 
respecting two Vol : of Baronius belong 8 to North Church in the 
possession of Dr Mather, & had answer that they were recovered. 
Had a letter from Revd J Eliot offering to purchase Lardner, Ed : 
Kippis in London by his friend Capt. Sohier, wrote thanks & de- 
clined in hopes of obtaining them by Hodges from Hardy. 

Returned Oct. 18, Gibaut, in Buffington from Petersburg. He was 
wounded [99] by the sudden disengagement of the takle, from a 
bale of Hemp. 

October 18. Came on the review of the Liturgy in the Church, 
professing the worship of the Church of England at which every 
attempt of a reformation was utterly rejected, with only one dis- 
senting voice, vz l of Col Carleton. The alterations proposed have 
been recommended in all the conventions of Episcopal Clergy 
through the states, & generally accepted. At Boston without dis- 
pute. Tell it not in Gath, publish it not in Askelon, lest the 
Sons of infidelity triumph. It is to be noted that the P— has 
been deemed a Socinian in doctrine, if he knows, what that means, 
& has never shown any change, &c. — Alas ! News of a Pishing 
vessel belong 8 to Capt Pratt being lost on Sable Island. Crew 
saved. 

Oct. 24. went to Boston upon intelligence that my G. father 
was very sick, & found him in a dangerous illness. Went with Mr. 
Pierre to Cambridge. Expenses to Cambridge with Mr Pierre. — 5/. 

[100] Oct. 29. Notes for delivery Sam 1 Ropes. Benj a Nourse, 
death of youngest child. Through October an uninterrupted scene 
of fine weather. 

On 30 th a little flight of snow which dissolved on the next day. 
At the first proposal of a lecture at the old Church I was prema- 
ture. Por the declined on account of family circumstances. 

The night of November 1 ended the Life of my most worthy 
Grandfather aged 77. It was by his generosity, I was educated at 
Cambridge, & he continued through life an unceasing benefactor. 
May my gratitude be as unceasing as his goodness. Arrived, Capt 
Byrne. The ponds on the Common remained dry till Nov r 3, ex- 
cept the Pond near the School, which had no water, but only a 
moist mud.* 

On Saturday November 4, my G. Father was buried, & an iniq- 
uitous will, by Adams, read to the family, which makes a most un- 
rightous distribution of his estate, & makes Adams principal heir. 
[101] I spent Sunday Nov r 6, in Boston, & attended Doctor 
Lathrop. Spent the time till Tuesday at Deacon S. Ridge way's. 
Weather unusually pleasant. 

General view of Evidence respecting my Grandfather's Will. 

•See Essex Institute, Hist. Colls, vol. IV. p. 2. 



1786] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 45 

News having been sent by G: father of his illness, & a request to 
come to Boston, I went on Wednesday Sept 13, when I found him 
very much debilitated by his old disorder ; the dysentery. I was 
on the Wharf solicited by Adams to request the making of a will, 
& was promised on his part his assistance in obtaining a rich legacy 
for myself for so doing. He proposed as an article of the will that 
Capt Ridgway should not have the same consideration as himself, 
on account of the difference in the two families, as to the number 
of children. This proposal I immediately made known to Capt 
Ridgway. Thereupon Adams engaged the old woman (G. M.) to 
introduce the subject [102] of a will to my G. F. that he might be 
more sure of my opinion. The result was a great coolness in the re- 
ception I afterwards met with. Upon the first opportunity I conferred 
with my G. Father, who told me, he had no plan of a will, & did 
not intend to make one, adding that the Law made the best will, & 
also adding, how can I trust Adams, who told me, that he 
would cheat his own father, if he could. On Sept. 23, Saturday 
upon an exchange concerted with D r Lathrop, grounded upon our 
common conviction of my G. F's sensible decay, I went to Boston. 
Adams with more reserve introduced the subject of the will, & I 
again was assured by my G. F. that he remained of his former mind. 
On Monday I returned, & never went to Boston again till Tuesday, 
Oct. 24. I then found my G. F. speechless. I went to the bed side 
repeatedly, squeezed his hand & observed to all the company that I 
could obtain no [103] signs that he knew me. In the evening the 
old woman (G. M.) mentioned that it was agreeable to my G. F. 
she did not doubt, that in my usual manner I should pray in the 
family. I objected before the family, consisting of a M r8 Games, 
the old woman (G. M.), a daughter, to praying in the chamber with 
my G. F. from a persuasion that he might be disturbed, & could 
not be sensible of the design. It was however agreed to pray in 
the Chamber. The G. F. was asked for his approbation, but not 
the least sign obtained of a consent, or any appearance of senses. 
As soon as the prayer begun he was disturbed, rose from the bed in 
apparent confusion, I stopped, he seemed to be calm again, & began 
again. But with all the pains, which could be taken, no proof could be 
got that he had any idea of the transaction. I then [104] desisted, & 
had the consent of the company that he was not able to know our de- 
sign. In the morning the greatest uneasiness appeared, when this 
story was told, & Adams repeatedly desired me to go up in the 
morning to see him again. (He had found me some accounts, 
which he had prepared for the old Gentleman to sign, which seemed 
to me to be a cover to a discovery I made, that the books & 
private papers had been carried out of the house, as all the Account 
books of my G. F. were brought into Adam's house in an handker- 
chief by a M r Ash. He then told me that he had got the consent 
of my G. F. to settle his accounts, and that he had prepared a 



46 DIARY OF [1786 

paper, which would settle all.) Upon this I was alarmed & / dis- 
covered a coolness toward me & expected to be treated as many others 
had been before me, to be excluded a free intercourse at the house. I 
therefore went [105] immediately up into my G. F's chamber. 
Found him setting by the fire. He received me with appar- 
ent joy, uttered a few broken sentences with tears, & told me he 
hoped to go soon, for more reasons than one. He then delivered a 
Key, & said "there are nails in it" which the old woman readily un- 
derstood to mean, the way to open the trunk, which trunk I opened 
at her request, & unhooped a small cask filled with Dollars. I saw 
her take money from the trunk into her apron, & left her in pos- 
session. Immediately Esq r . Gardner came in. My G. F. beckoned 
first, & then said set down. But supposing there was a scene of in- 
iquity, & observing my G. F's situation, I hurried away, saying 
there was a french gentleman waiting for me to go with him to 
Cambridge. Esq 1 Gardner followed me to the Stairs, & asked me 
whether I thought my G. Father was able to make a will. I told 
him, I would have nothing [106] to do in the affair, upon which he 
commended me, & we parted, & he returned to the Chamber. I rec- 
ollect that in the chamber the old woman said your G. F. is going 
to make a will which will please you. But as he was so unfit at 
that time, I did not suppose he would, & as he made no answer, I 
concluded that he remained of his former opinion. However in a 
few minutes after the work was finished, & when I returned from 
Cambridge, just before dinner, it was generally agreed that the old 
gentleman was dying, & ought to receive no more company. I 
therefore left the town, after informing Capt Ridgway, & lamenting 
that the state of the family, would not allow me to check such hor- 
rid proceedings. A proof is given that I could have done nothing 
successfully against such an interest, in that the will was altered 
on Saturday by a codicil, in favor of the will-makers, & guilt of 
conscience [107] was shown in the nature of the legacies then 
added. It is to be remembered that Adams, wrote me a note 
informing me that my G. F. was actually dying when he was 
making of himself a will for him. I went to the funeral & the will 
was for insufficient reasons refused after the funeral, I therefore 
stayed till Monday, when it appeared the most horrid abuse to 
which I was ever witness. 

Nov. 12. Notes for John Becket & wife for delivery. Notice of 
a Lecture at North Church on Tuesday, 11 o'clock. 

Nov. 17. Appeared before the Judge of Probate for the County 
of Suffolk. A reflection has been cast upon my mother that my G. 
F. cried out against her. But quere, against whom did he cry, 
when he asked my G. M. as she informed me, whether the disputes 
were such, that Billy could not come to the house ? 

[108] It is reported that I asked for a will. What articles did 
I propose for a will ? did she (G. M.) not say, that I should like 



1786] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 47 

the will, in which there was no legacy for myself as she knew, & 
she told me at the time of making the will, as well as at the funer- 
al. The legacy of the Codicil was added after such information as 
she gave me. If it is said that she wished for me, & thought I 
wished that my father should not have the estate, pray, was a wish 
not to cut off children a wish to disinherit parents. I never heard, 
any person but Adams say that my Father should not have his part 
of the estate, or Bidgway. Adams proposed legacy in these words, 
" I have heard that your mother reported, Billy would have the 
mansion house. If you get a will I have no objection." If Capt 
Kidgway not an evidence, how comes the G. M. & M r8 Adams wit- 
nesses? [109] Adams told me at his own house Oct. 24, that after 
repeated solicitations he had prevailed upon the old gentleman to 
make a will. 

As to the expences of the will & account Adams told me at his 
own house Oct. 24, that he was to pay them, out of his own pocket. 
Deacon Bidgway says, that M r8 Adams said before the reading of 
the will & when the heirs were collected, now I don't care for all 
the Devils in hell. From the testimony of D. Bidgway, when his 
wife enquired of her father whether a will was made, he replied no, 
& promised to do her justice. The Deacon says that the G. M. 
confessed this, & afterwards denied it. Times when at Boston 
since my G. Father's visit to Salem on August 21, 1785, from Day 
book. 

Feb^ 12. Preached for Mr Eliot of Boston. 

May 30. went to Boston. 

June 17. went to Boston returned same day. [HO] I went to 
Commencement. 

The point to be proved respecting the assertion from the mouth 
of my G. Father is a family Anecdote, & the Sons stand ready to 
testify that the Father has repeated to them, the same peech & 
the occasion of it. Bidgway & Bentley & V — . Adams told me 
" he had at last prevailed." I did not see the delivery of the key. 
The will it seems will stand. The Judge has appointed Apprais- 
ers. I left with Capt Bidgway an extract from the preceding 
account. 

[Ill] Nov r 19. Notes for Baptism. B. Furber. Morning 
Service to begin at 1-2 past 10. 

Went to Boston, 21, & returned next day. Will not proved. 
Left a written deposition with B. for Hitchborn. not delivered. 

Nov r 26. W m Chever, sick of a fever. 

Nov r 29. A little shake of an Earthquake was felt at 4 o'clock 
P. M. Mr Vaughan promised me a view of German writers. 

Dec r 3. Israel Chever, death of Brother. Bebecca Chever, with 
children, death of Husband. Samuel Bopes, death of Brother. 

At Sundown, Monday 4 th , came on a Storm of Snow which lasted 
24 hours, in which a great quantity of snow fell, & the tide was 



48 DIARY OF [1786 

raised beyond any height in the memory of the present inhabitants. 
The damage to perishable goods in the Stores was considerable, but 
no loss of vessels or lives in the harbour. [112] A quarter of 
mutton in the market weighed 23 lbs. 

On Saturday Dec r 9, very early before day — came on another 
severe snow storm, which continued till Sunday ten o'clock, A. M. 
Several vessels were driven from their anchors but not great dam- 
age done here. In the last storm a Connecticut Brig was 
driven upon Point Shirley. 5 perished, who left the vessel, in 
the snow. In the same storm a coasting Sloop drove ashore upon 
Plum Island, 2 perished in the snow. Qmantity of snow was un- 
common & very much drifted. Two men belonging to Marblehead 
named Hooper & Trevet, supposed intoxicated, perished on Satur- 
day night between Salem & Marblehead. Capt W m Fairfield was 
driven ashore upon Cape Cod, & one man perished. A Brig belong- 
ing to Beverly was driven ashore upon Hingham beach. The Sun- 
day [113] was so stormy & cold & the snow so deep, that few were 
out at Church & no woman, & our house was the only one opened. 
The Thanksgiving was rainy, & the traveling very uncomforta- 
ble. Sailed, Allen, jun r , between the storms. Capt Allen, Thanks- 
giving evening, for Carolina, with his wife, & left his family behind. 
Contribution in a thin assembly 14£. A Sloop was driven ashore 
upon Lowell's island, bound for Boston, 10 men & a woman out of 
13 persons perished. An eastern Schooner belong 8 to Boston drove 
ashore at Cape Cod, Godfrey master, all on board perished. 

Deer 17. Notes. J. Berry & wife, death of Sister Clough. Wid- 
ow Sarah Elkins, death of Sister & Sons at Sea. John Chandler & 
wife, her delivery. 

18. Drafted a petition for the Artillery company to Governor for 
State small armes. Wrote to Winthrop & sent Baltic papers & 9 
coins, 3 silver, & 6 copper. Wrote to Major Hoit of Newbury. 

[114] On Thursday 21, Dec r was executed an Indian, called 
Isaac Coombs, but who declared his true name to be John Peters. 
He was firm at his execution, sober & devout. In his confinement 
he was visited by some enthusiasts who created all that contempt 
for religious pretentions in his mind, which their hypocrisy excites, 
& which weakens all regard to true religion, when proposed by others. 
Saturday night was another Storm of snow, but less violent than 
the other, & continued in some degree all Sunday. 

To my father Dec r 26. 

As to the Estate of the Old Gentlemen, I am ready to give you a 
power, to dispose of my part of it (which is disposed of by the 
pretended will to me) & to leave such part in your hands, when 
due, for your use [115] and at your discretion. 

Dec' 29. News of the death of Capt Adam Welman. There is 
something singular in this event. Welman is the third Captain who 
has been part owner with Captain White in the same vessel & who 



1786] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 49 

has died in succession within the space of one year. Capt Clark, 
Jany. 19, 1786. Capt Pierce, Octb. 1. & Capt Welman. 

Dec r 31. Wid : Mary Browne, death of sister & friends at Sea. 
Returned, Boardman from W. Indies. 

Jany 6, 1787. Dined with Clergy at Fiske's. 

7. Notes. Mary Foot, death of Brother Welman. Mary Wel- 
man, d : of Br. Welman & Son at Sea. Sam 1 Smith & wife for d : of 
G. Son, & prayers for Son at Sea. Mary Burroughs, d : of her Son 
& friends at Sea. Anna Sarvey* d : of Brother. Mercy Welman 
& Children, d : of her husband. 

[116] Upon the establishment of Wardens I persuaded the 
Wardens to take the provision for the Communion, into their own 
hands, which they did on December 1786. Mr Phippen resigned 
that charge, but has not yet settled. The last Communions being 
on first days, & the male communicants few, the collections only 
exceeded 18/ each, I persuaded the Committee unanimously to 
consent, on account of the narrowness of the Aile & the height of 
the Deacons seat, to substitute a table. I then wrote to Mr Diman 
for a List of the Church, as he had kept the books, "for charitable 
piloses." He returned me an answer full of insolence, referring me 
in a taunting manner to my own Church Book, & to the General 
list of my committee, writing the word general in larger Letters, & 
beginning it with a capital to reflect on my opinion of this subject. 
I showed the letter to Capt Ward's family, & then burnt it. I wrote 
the follow 8 answer [117] but never sent it. 
Sir, 

I am surprised to receive so uncandid an answer. You direct me 
to my Church book & I may as properly direct you to your own. 
Had I delivered to a young man, a church with only seven males, 
members, who accused me of suffering public charities to perish in 
my hands, & who by my advice & example had never provided a 
single ounce of plate for their communion, & who for above 40 [4?] 
years had never at my request performed one charitable action 
among the members at their communion, I should not have taunted 
such young man, because he could not persuade communicants to 
have charity enough for me as a Christian to join, while I was a 
member. 

Jan y 14. Note for delivery, Mary Parrot, husband at Sea. 

The alterations under the pulpit undertaken this week by M r 
Ward, & the Painting by M r Liscombe. 

[118] List of Proprietors from the Treasurer's Books for 1787. 
Capt Edward Allen. Capt John Berry. 

Jon* Archer, sen r . John Becket. 

Jon ft Archer, jun r . Mansfield Burrill. 

James Becket. William Browne. 

* Sarrey was a corruption of Messervey. See Feb. 11, 1787. 



50 



DIAEY OP 



[1787 



Capt Francis Boardman. 

Capt George Crown inshield. 

Col Samuel Carleton. 

Capt John Collins. 

Capt William Carleton. 

Thomas Diinan.* 

Capt George Dodge. 

Capt Thomas Dean. 

John Fairfield. 

Captain John Fiske Esq 1 . 

Capt Edward Gibaut. 

Capt John Hodges. 

Capt Samuel Ingersoll. 

Capt Benja. Hodges. 

[119] Heirs in the name of 

The Widow Mary Andrews. 

The Widow Lydia Babbidge. 

The Widow Mary Becket. 

The Widow Mary Bates. 

The Widow Mary Batten. 

The Widow Mary Bowditch. 

The Widow Mary Crowninshield. 

The Widow Hannah Crownin- 
shield. 

The Widow Sarah Elkins. 

The Widow Mary Elkins. 

Heirs of Phippen's Estate, uns. 

The Widow Hannah Haskoll. 



Heirs of Capt Richard Masury. 
The Widow Mary Waters. 
The Widow Mercy Welman. 
The Widow Hannah Webb. 

Non Residents. 
Elias Hasket Derby, Esq r . 
Heirs of Richard Derby Esq r . 
Heirs of Capt Thomas Elkins. 
[120] Proprietors continued. 
Capt Joseph Lambert, sen r . 
Capt Joseph Lambert, jun r . 
Capt Jonathan Mason, sen r . 
Capt Richard Manning, Esq 1 '. 
William Peale. 
Nathaniel Richardson. 
Capt Robert Stone. 
Capt Nathaniel Silsbee. 
Samuel Silsbee. 
Penn Townsend. 
Joseph Vincent. 
Capt. John White. 
Stephen Webb. 
Capt Joseph White. 
Abraham Watson. 
John Watson. 
Capt. Benj a Ward. 
Capt Timothy Welman. 

To Master Watson. Jan? 17, 1787. 



[121] 

Master W. 

In looking over my books I find a private debt, owed to you, of 
£5, 5, 1. As it is my care, & I suppose, ought to be my care, to 
settle all my accounts; & as I have no ready money; you would very 
greatly oblige me by allow g me to set off the family pew taxes, against 
that debt, & then suffer 8 me to pay you, what you judge to be the 
balance. I find also the Note given to Mr Andrews, will probably 
occasion some speculation. I should therefore be obliged to you, rf 
you could, on any terms, or in any way, give me your advice how 
to conduct. These are my largest & almost my only debts, & there- 
fore occasion serious care to your devoted servant. W. B. 

The result of this letter was a conference with Master W. on the 
next morning, in which he acknowlidges he answered the present 
treasurer rather caverlierly, but he settled in the most amicable 
manner. The balance of the private account, after the deduction of 
the pew Taxes, was in his favor 23 /4 /4. He gave up the note 



*No connection or Rev. James Diman. The name was sometimes written Diamond. 



1787] KEV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 51 

given to Andrews for 9£ as the due of the proprietors, & every 
other difficulty was, I hope, brought to a close. I hope this is an 
instance in which seasonable writing did no harm. 

[122] On Thursday after 5 P. M. Jan y 18, there came up a 
sudden squall with Snow & some hail, which lasted 20 minutes & 
with great violence, as well as a great quantity of Snow. While a 
Mr Horton & his wife were passing to their homes on Horton's 
point, near Beverly ferry, The old Lady was blown down & before 
assistance could be obtained by her husband she perished. She 
was aged 80. 

Jan y 21. Note of Jon a Archer, tertius, for delivery of his wife. 
On Sunday arrived the news that the brig on board of which 
Captains Clarke, Pierce & Welman have died successively, went 
ashore on Martha's Vineyard on Monday Night the 15 inst. 

Jan y 25. Went to Beverly at the funeral of John Bartlet, A. B. 
A promising youth. Arrived 23. Capt M. Townsend. Proposal to 
the Rev d Mr. Smith for collections of Singing Psalms, &c. 

Jan y 29. Anecdote of P. Lambert. Being in a shop, & solicited 
to attend the [123] fast of the new lights, on that day, she replied 
she endeavored to hear and retain the best sermons she could hear 
on Sunday, & on other days thought it best to practice what she 
then heard, & not to be running after every absurd enthusiast. 

Feb y 5. On Sunday evening I offered an invitation to several 
Gentlemen to form a meeting at my house on Sunday evenings. 
The Gentlemen came, being Capt. Fiske, White, Joseph; Hodges, 
Benj a ; Stone & Ward. The interview was agreeable. By this en- 
gagement, I am prevented from my visits to Capt Jn° White, 
which I have continued every Sunday evening since my ordination. 
I proposed to the old Gentleman Saturday even g in its stead, & re- 
ceived an answer " I am happy in my solitude. Saturday evening, 
I devote to prayer & fasting." 

Feb y 7. Left the minute of a request with Capt. Hodges to be 
sent to Hardy, London, to subscribe for " Lardner's works " then 
publishing by D r Kippis at one guinea advance, & two upon deliv- 
ery. The work eleven Vol : 8vo. in boards. [124] Anecdote of 
Nanny Willis, who died at this time. Requiring of the Overseer 
two Watchers, & being refused more than one, she insisted that 
there should be two, & so sat up herself. Aged 92. 

In a conference with M rs Rhust she informed me, that Adams 
told her that he made the will. That the G. mother alledged con- 
versation at Capt Silsbee as justifying the charge that I wanted 
a will. That at the same visit & [126] after my G. father had left 
me, he told M™ Rhust, that Billy wanted nothing more of him, & 
if he gave him anything he would certainly give it immediately to 
his father. That Adams proposed to her, whether it would be best 
to ask Billy, what part he would chuse, whether the Mansion house 
&c. That he asked by way of temptation, tho' dissuaded by Mrs 



52 DIARY OF [1787 

Rhust. That finding it did not take, he added the legacies of the 
will to the children, as a substitute to silence Billy. That as to 
Ridgway, he did not wish his favor, or to observe any terms with 
him, & as to Bently Billy, the world knew how the G-. Father would 
be ruled by him. That my G. F. wished to make a will & declared 
to her, that the law made the best will. That she told Adam3, she 
had heard him say that he would cheat his own father, if he could. 
That the G. Mother had uttered very ill natured invectives, but all 
grounded upon the pretended good will, respecting which, she pre- 
tended she had been deceived but by alleging no facts, of confidence, 
consent, &c. 

[127] D r Cooper of Boston Son to the Rev d W m Cooper, & Suc- 
cessor died Jan y 1784. He was a Gentleman of uncommon polite- 
ness, of most easy address. He was much in favor with Hancock, 
& the political papers of that Gentleman were in common opinion 
ascribed to him. In prayer the D r was engaging, his scripture 
language seemed pertinent. His sermons were agreeably delivered, 
& in the style of his printed performances. 

The Sermons left are, Sermon on the death of George II ; 
On Conquest of Quebec ; On Popery ; at the Dudleian Lecture ; at 
the revolution, on the Constitution ; at an Ordination at Brooklyn ; 
to a Charitable Society ; at the General Election. He has left no 
printed compositions in any other form. The University experi- 
enced a kind friend in him — he left only one daughter & one 
grandson. [128] D r Eliot died several years before Cooper. His 
knowlidge was solid, but not extensive. His address was good, 
but his application to the true interest of the university, & to the 
duties of his function were most distinguishing. The family of 
Hollis corresponded through him, at the time of their most liberal 
services. The Doctor was grave in the pulpit. His voice was 
rather clear, than sweet. His talents in occasional addresses, & 
extemporary performances were not great. His sermons were plain, 
solid, & instructive, & universally acceptable. He has only left 
us a collection of occasional Sermons, & a volume containing 
twenty Sermons, which he published, a few years before his death. 
His Election Sermon was celebrated. He has two sons in the min- 
istry. One is his successor. His family was numerous at his 
* death. [129] D r Mayhew who died many years before Eliot or 
Cooper, I knew only by his printed performances, & the reports, 
which they have circulated. He died at the most vigorous part of 
his life. His abilities were uncommon. But as he could not 
adopt the prevailing theology, and openly avowed Arianism, he had 
not that applause which the others received in the different Con- 
gregations. His first printed sermons upon the love of God & our 
neighbor were his best. There were seven in number. His ser- 
mons to young men are careless. His other Sermons beyond any 
printed then in America. His Jan y 30 Sermon, a counterpart to 



1787] REV. WILLIAM BEKTLEY 53 

South, but not so well supported. His controversy with the Soci- 
ety for propagating the gospel in foreign parts, succeeded but was 
unhappy. His other occasioual pieces have fell into obscurity, 
being occasioned by writings or events which live only for a day. 
He left a daughter. 

[130] Feb 7 11. Nanny Maservey, death of father. Samuel 
Welman, d : of father & G. father, & thanks for his return from 
Sea. Mary Welman & children for father Welman & two sons at 
Sea. Mercy Welman, d: of Father Welman. Sarah Chever for 
delivery & for her husband & brother at Sea. Sick. M r8 Dighton 
of a pleurisy, recovering. 

From, this time on every Sunday list, will be found the list of per- 
sons sick, after the mention of the notes, & their disorders with the 
several stages of them, either at the time, or as learnt in the pre- 
ceeding week. 

D r Appleton of Cambridge, died at an age exceeding 90 years, in 
1784. He was a very prominent man, as a preacher to the univer- 
sity, amidst the religious convulsions, which happened during his 
long ministry. He had a happy influence in composing difficulties 
both at the settlement of ministers, & in the course of their minis- 
try. His powers were moderate. His printed occasional sermons, 
are about 20. He has left two sons, merchants, 
t [131] D r Chauncy died Feb 7 10, 1787, set. 82. He was of emi- 
nent service to the country in 1742, when a religious frenzy, called 
New Light, spread in New England. He openly engaged White- 
field, Tennent, Davenport & others in his Book entitled the " State 
of Religion," besides in other Tracts. He also opposed the intended 
encroachments of Episcopal authority, by his controversial pieces 
with the Bp. of Landaff & by his view of Episcopacy to enlighten 
his countrymen. He published also numerous occasional sermons, 
and some discourses opposed to the ridiculous notions of faith, & 
the doctrines of grace as they were called. He wrote also upon the 
Communion. In the latter part of life he published his sentiments 
on the restitution, upon the goodness of God, & his dissertations 
upon the fall, and we are assured these publications were but a part 
of his labours intended for the public, & a small part of the com- 
positions of his Study. He led a useful life, & was a distinguished 
character. [132] His passions were sudden, but his writings were 
cool. He wrote often hastily, but never forget to correct his com- 
positions. His stile was very careless but clear, & upon the whole 
he was the most useful man of his age, & perhaps the greatest 
divine of N. England. His principal works are 

800 sermons on faith, &c. 

Letter respect 8 Bp. of Landaff's Sermon. 1767. 

Ans : to Chandler's Appeal, &c. 1768. 

Reply to Chandler's defence. 1770. 

State of Religion. 1742. 



54 diary op [1787 

Dudleian Lecture on Res: Ord: 1762. 

View of Episcopacy. 1771. 

Seven Serm : on Communion. 1773. 

Universal restitution. 1784. 

Benevolence of the Deity. 1784. 

Dissert : on Fall, & 1785. 

Occasional Sermons on Self Murder, on Earthquake, Stamp 

Act, Elections, Charity. 

[133] Minutes introductory to the disorders in Massachusetts. 

Conventions in New Hampshire in the beginning of Aug. 1786. 

Papers circulating for the same end in Massachusetts. Militia 
orders published Aug. 14. 

Conventions appointed in Middlesex, Worcester, & Hampshire. 

Worcester convention from 37 towns met at Worcester & ad- 
journed to Leicester & publish their proceedings Aug. 17. People 
divided. Bolton in Worcester unanimously ag : Members for 
Convention Aug. 29. 

Middlesex Convention met, as they state themselves, from a 
majority of Towns, at Concord, Aug. 23. 

Aug. 30. Insurgents appear in arms at Northampton. Conven- 
tion of Hampshire at Hadley. 

Court of Common Pleas stopped by Insurgents at Northampton, 
Aug. 29. Also at Worcester, Sept. 5. 

Proclamation, Sept. 2. 

[134] Boston Circular Letter voted Sept. 8. Concord Circular 
Letter voted Sept. 9. 

C. of Common Pleas stopped at Great Barrington, Berkshire, 
Sept. 12. 

A proclamation to convene the General Court, Sept. 27. 

The Convention in New Hampshire consisting of 30 towns out of 
200, had the same effect as in the Bay. 

Sept. 20. The insurgents surrounded the General Court & beat 
to arms. President Sullivan, issued his military orders, & seasona- 
bly crushed the rebellion. Worcester convention were together 
again at Paxton, Sept. 26. 

The Supreme Court by arms was protected at Springfield ag : 
insurgents. 

Worcestor Convention petition to government at their sitting. 
The Convention was from 41 towns. 

October Session of the General Court passes the Riot Act, also 
an Act of Indemnity. Susp. of the Habeas Corpus till January. 

An association formed by the principal gentlemen of the Court 
to discourage luxury, &c. Signed by Gov., L. G :, Senate, Speaker 
& 66 of the House. 

[135] Nov. 29. A Party of Horse went into the interior parts 
of Middlesex, & apprehended several distinguished rioters. At 
this time the whole County was in confusion. The County of 



1787] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 55 

Bristol had caught the infection, & nothing short of compleat 
anarchy was before us. 

Nov r 28. The Court of Sessions was protected at Cambridge by 
troops under Gen. Lincoln, & his Excellency the Governor, & a 
most respectable number of Gentlemen attended. 

Dec r 5. The Insurgents in arms make a formidable appearance 
in Worcester Commanded by one Shays, & one Wheeler. 

1787. Jan y 10. Shays the ostensible head of the insurgents had 
taken possession of the State Barracks at Rutland. 

Jan y 12. Proclamation calling on the people to oppose force by 
force. An army at Worcester under the Command of General Lin- 
coln on Jan y 22 to protect the Court of Sessions. 

On Jan y 25. General Sheppard at Springfield fired upon the 
Insurgents & killed four men. 

[136] Jan y 28. General Lincoln joins Gen. Sheppard at Spring- 
field & the insurgents disperse. From Hadley. 

Jan y 28. Gen : Lincoln promises a pardon to all privates, who 
should lay down their arms, & take the oath of allegiance. The 
address to the People, ordered by government in the November ses- 
sion was generally read in the religious congregations by this time. 

Feb y 3. The Court is again convened. 

Feb y 4. The Insurgents disperse from Petersham, to which place 
Gen. Lincoln marched from Hadley 30 miles, in an open country in 
extreme cold. The Court declared a Rebellion to exist & on the 9 
of Feb y a Proclamation is issued to apprehend, Daniel Shays of 
Pelham, Luke Day of West Springfield, Adam Wheeler of Hubbard - 
ston, & Eli Parsons of Adams, offering 150£ for the first, & 100 £ 
for each of the others. The measures of the Court are unanimous. 
They approve of Sheppard's conduct. And a most sudden turn is 
given to public affairs. 

[137] Boston, by an accurate calculation has been found lately 
to contain, exclusive of strangers, 14,540 inhabitants. This num- 
ber gives 7 persons to an house. If the same proportion holds good 
in other towns their numbers can be nearly ascertained. 

[138] Feb 7 18. Notes. Rebecca Adwrie* & children for death 
of mother. Mary Lambert, death of G. Daughters & g.sons at Sea. 
Rob. Stone, &c. for delivery. Nath Phippen, &c. for delivery. 
Capt Gibaut, confined by a Cold. D. of Capt G. Crowninshield, 
complaints resembling paralytic, mouth twisted, &c. Wife of 
Uncle Gardner, delirious after a Fever. 

Feb 7 26. Delivered at Capt Gibaut's a written request to be 
forwarded to E. H. Derby, now on his travels in France, that he 
would purchase for me one, any, or all the volumes of Bossuet's 
theological works, &c. 

Was inclosed in a Letter from Major Hiller the letter of the G. 
Master Webb, respecting the Essex Lodge, begging the Lodge to 

*Dwire ? 



56 DIARY OF [1787 

comply with requisitions or return the Charter. The latter seems 
preferable, Salem not being a soil for such institution, as the Clerk 
informed me, at the Marine Society, the attendance was careless, & 
at the last December the interest of the funds was appropriated for 
the charities, without any charitable contribution of the members. 
The conclusion is safe. 

[139] A comparison of Characters in a disputed Case, or a 
comparison between a prudent man, & an imp : one as they stand 
in public opinion. It is true, the latter has every disadvantage. 
While he was at the University as designed for the ministry, he 
was in full communion with the Church, that he might be obliged 
to avoid at least dissipation. He went from his College to a rep- 
utable School in B, & from thence to his College again, & was 
never out of a public life, which did not require decency of behavior. 
He was introduced into the ministry without a father's friends, or 
a division, by a unanimous popular election. He never since has 
decided in any political dispute, against the Church or State. It is 
true he has never published a Sermon, in which he could indiscrimi- 
nately censure the geniuses of the past age , or in which he conld 
flatter deists with the compliment of " manly reasonings," while he 
softened it with their enemies on the same page, by hinting at an 
evil heart of unbelief. It is true, he was not [romancer ?] enough 
to tell of " withdrawing extraordinary aids, & trusting existence, 
&c, to the actions of certain causes alone, & the occasional inter- 
position of its invisible head," or theological enough to tell, what 
human [140] abilities could do alone, when they could do all things 
by his powerful aid, who said, "my grace is sufficient for thee." 
Nor did his metaphysics extend to such clear expressions, as deter- 
mine the most important questions relative to our passions, " by a 
consideration of them unattended with consequences." Perhaps 
his style has been observed to be crowded with parentheses, great 
& small in an happy variety, & with qualifying clauses, which 
render his opinions easy to be desired. This however may be said, 
he never valued as wisdom, what the Abbe Beccaria justly stiled, 
the timid prudence of inferior understandings, nor thought it great, 
like the Tyrant, who cut & formed every body by his own bed post. 
As he thought, he acted, & whatever ill consequences ensued, he 
had so good proof of his upright intentions, that all the world con- 
fessed, if there was any sufferer he was the greatest. 

This was written to pass away a few minutes before dinner, with- 
out intended harm to any man. Such comparative views extend 
our knowlidge of Characters or we might suppose that Plutarch in 
his lives of the Antient worthies, would not have taken up so much 
time about them. 

[141] March 4. Widow Margaret Clark, death of Son. Th : 
Parsons, death of wife's brother. Very stormy, Church thin, & 
communion omitted. 



1787] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 57 

March 10. Went to Boston. Instead of finding greater quiet, I 
found every branch of the family at variance. My Father opposed 
to Ridgway, & conversant again with Adams. I received a letter 
from Adams, requesting me to visit him, and promising, upon 
failure to visit me. There was less insolence than I expected, but 
from the indecent behavior of M r8 Adams at the Court, & the known 
character of Adams, I thought it best to abandon all connections 
with them. 

March 11. Mr. Webber preached for me & I was at the Castle. 
There were in that Garrison, 70 Soldiers of the Garrison, 30 In- 
valids, 220 Continental recruits & 42 convicts. They were sober in 
the religious worship, & regular throughout the whole services of 
the Garrison. Major Perkins was attentive to us, & we supped at 
his house. Lieu. Treat was in Boston. Mr Hinds, Lieu : in the 
Corps of Invalids was with us in the [142] evening, & we drank 
Tea with Mr Burbeck the Gunner, a younger son of the old command- 
er. Major North, a pupil of Baron Stuben, commanded the re- 
cruits, & was an accomplished gentleman & officer. Mr Heyward, 
a pupil of mine, when at the university & Mr Warren, Son of 
General Warren were in the recruits, the first as a surgeon's mate, 
& the last as an Ensign. Mr Martin Brimmer, & another son of 
Col. Burbeck were with the recruits of my former acquaintance. I 
left the worthy Mr Smith on Monday morning. Notes. Rebecca 
■Chever for delivery & death of child. 

March 18. Notes. John Brown, sick. Hannah Rowell, delivery, 
husband at Sea. William Foy, wife's delivery. 

The Proclamation for what has been called the " Annual Fast," 
was entitled only for a " day of humiliation & prayer," the circum- 
stance of fasting having been previously neglected by a majority of 
Christians of all denominations. [143] Account that on Sunday, 
March 18, died Dr Gay of Hingham, in the 93 year of his age. He 
has been respectable in his long course of ministry, & died at last 
without " Physician or disease " without warning, being full of 
days. 

March 22. At fast sung Denmark & anthem, I said I will take 
heed &c. 

Contribution, £8, 3, 2 Thanksgiving last, 14, 0, 

Fast before, 7, 10, Thanksg : before, 12, 0, 

March 25. Service altered to 10 o'clock A. M. List of the Poor 
who received the Contrib : A. Curtis, M. Whitfoot, Lander, M. 
Swaysey, Searle, Renew, H. Mansfield, M. Young, A. Laskin, E. 
Collins, S. Beadle, Masury, P. Foote, Webb, M. Masury, H. Clout- 
man, M. Valpy, King, Beadle, M. Burroughs, Hodgdon, Cox, S. 
Becket, M. Burke, H. Murray, Cloutman, Touzzer, Clark, Silver, 
Ab. Masury, Chever. 



58 DIAKY OF [1787 

[144] March 26. Gave 3 s. to one Newell, relation to some old 
neighbors in Boston. 

April 3. First warm spring day this year. 

April 6. Good Friday. I attended public worship at the Church 
in Marblehead. Rev d Mr Oliver read prayers well, his Sermon in 
the scenery was correct, the inferences not methodical. The as- 
sembly decent. The music good. The organ being out of order, 
but the best masters performing the vocal, Messieurs Sewell, Kim- 
ball, Johnson, Grabe, &c. 

Dined with Mr Story from whose collection in exchange for 
Brown's Serm : 4 vol. 8 vo. I received 

8vo. iEschines Dialogi. Horr. Leovard : 1768. 
8vo. Epist. Clementis. Wotton. Cam. 1712. 
8vo. Grabe Spicel: Patrum. vol. 1 Ox. 1714. 

12mo. Vol 2. cont : Suetonius, Spartianus, Capitolinus, Lam- 
pridius, Gallicanus, Vopiscus, Pollis, Victor, Laetus, 
& Egnatius. 

12m. Heliodori. Mth. Commobis. 1596. 

12m. Buxtorfii Synagogo Judnica, Han. 1604. 

12m. yEliando Animalibus. Genevae. 1611. 

12m. Seneca. Vol. II. 

24to Boethii de cons : Philosphiae. Amst : 1609. 

These books are the remains [145] of the old Library of the 
family of Govner Bradstreet, & his Son Minister at Charlestown, & 
his G. Son M. at Marblehead. The two surviving Daughters have 
married Col : Johonnot, & the Rev d Story, with y e latter these re- 
mains are found. Among other curious books still remain. 
Fol. Cyril. Teroyl : & Synesius. Paris 1611. Prevot. 
8vo. King's History of the Apostles Creed. 
4to. LeDieu Evang : Syric : Notae. L Bat. 1617. 
8vo. Perigonii de Morte Judae. L Bat. 1702. 

12mo. Laubegeois Gr : Rad : Camb. 1626. 

12mo. Bullinger : Apol : 

12mo. Summa Concetionim. 

12mo. Augustin de Heresibus. 

12mo. Drusii observ : Philog : 

12mo. Jewel's Apol of Eng. Ch : gr. 

12mo. Education of a Prince. Port royal (trans.). 

12mo. Camdeni Brittania. &c. &. 

April 6. M rs Gardiner seemed in a decay, tho without any ex- 
pectoration, was delirous for six months, had dropsical complaints, 
upon the whole however died in a decay, which might be called 
Consumption. 

April 8. Sunday. In the evening about 11 ocl : came on a 
heavy shower of Rain with thunder. A new light preacher of the 
town by name Spaulding* was alarmed in his sleep, & jumped out 

*Rev. Joshua Spaulding, settled over the Tabernacle church in 1785; was dismissed in 
1802 and formed the " Branch Church " on Howard Street. 



1787] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 59 

of his chamber window into a ditch. There is no report that it has 
injured his understanding, and common fame imputes the accident to 
the distracted manner in which he had preached, & exhorted through 
the whole preceeding week, & particularly on the preceeding Sunday. 

April 9. A Storm of Hail very uncommon. It destroyed the 
glass windows particularly of our hot beds. 

[150] April 11. The Library was cleansed & the names in- 
serted. Number in all, 605 bound, sewed 62. [List of books in his 
library, appearing in the original, is here omitted.] 

[151] April 11. The Artillery appear on the Neck for the first 
time. Not great success in firing at the target. Broke the leg 
after twenty times. 

April 15. Eenj a Gardner & children, d : of wife. 

April 18. Finished the Satyres of Juvenal. Wrote a form for 
D r Oliver from an English form he gave me. Omnibus, ad quos 
presentis hae perveniunt Salutem. Sciatis, quod nos, Societatis 
Medicae Massachusettenses, Censores, approbamus A. B. facultatis 
Medicae at Chirurgicae Candidatum, ipsius Hudiorum rationem, pro- 
gressumq : exquisiti. Et his presentibus delaramus, quodnos ipsum 
invenimus adomne munus facultatis M. et C. paratum et instructum. 
In testimonium census nostra nomina subscribimus C. 
Expotestate mihi commissa. 

subsignavi 
Preses. siguillo S. M. Mass. 

Ap. 19. The Cadets appeared in their uniform for the first time. 
And the first military parade in Town since the War. 

[152] April 21. The weather having been uncommonly cold & 
windy, last night the Snow fell, but not at any considerable depth. 
D r Holyoke's proposed amendments in the above form are literce in 
the first sentence after perveniunt, & prius affixo, after sigillo. Ar- 
rived H. White, Strout, Briggs, & Thomas. A fire at Boston 
observed at the bottom of the Lane leading from the Meetinghouse 
to the water, over the Castle Hill. 

The fire was very great. It appeared most bright about 8 o'clock, 
& disappeared at 10. Its first appearance at sundown. From the 
Gazette it appears that the standard for the Salem Cadet Company 
is of crimson silk, & bears on one side a shield inscribed with the 
name of the company, held by a figure of Mars seated on a cloud; 
who with his spear, directs to glory above. Motto, Si recte facie s. 
On the reverse is a crown of laurel in a field surrounded with tro- 
phies. Motto, Sic itur ad astra. In the quarter are thirteen fed- 
eral stripes. In our country the colors are chosen at discretion. 
As the uniform takes notice of the alliance the Standard might 
have done the same. [153] The Shield with the name of a company, 
implies at least that there was no emblem of use to Mars. And why 
that bellowing God should be preferred to Pallas, when a Company 
had never been in an engagement might be hard to guess. Mars 



60 DIAKY OF [1787 

had never tried his shield, & we are not told that he was ever pre- 
sented with this for trial, as the motto ought to imply. He is in 
actual possession. It is to be hoped not minerva invita. The seat 
of Mars is new. He has quite usurped upon Minerva. His spear 
directing to glory above, is quite unheard of in mythology. And 
the motto quite ill judged, if it be classical the words are unsuit- 
able to Mars, & certainly not in common use. Perhaps the mottos 
ought to shift sides. A Crown surrounded with trophies in a reverse 
is novel, & the disciples of Mars have so frequently been mounted 
ad astra, that its pertinence is unquestionable. The trophies if 
properly placed well apply as does the place of the shield in a new 
institution. They were advised to a mounting eagle with a motto, 
Cedo nemini. But who would chuse to mount, when by a word 
they are a shield even to Mars, & can have a General's Laurel, with 
his trophies, without, &c. 

[154] April 22, 1787. Jon a Archer jun r & wife, death of her 
sister Crow,* friends at Sea. [An account of the fire in Boston, ab- 
stracted from the Massachusetts Gazette of April 24, 1787, appear- 
ing in the Diary, is here omitted.] 

[158] April 23, 1787. Was added to the certificate, the follow- 
enlargement B. L. O.f habitantem in Salem, Comitatus, Essx in 
Republica [hacco ?]. After nomina apud Bostonienses, die secundo. 
Kalendarum Maii, annoq : salutis milesimo, septingentesimo, octa- 
gesimo, septimo. 

24. This John Brownt was able to read & write & was devout 
in the Lutheran forms of his country. He had received a wound 
in the foot from a Spaniard by a knife, & by his sufferings in that 
state, was brought into that decay which finished his days. The 
attention of the family to him was exemplary. A note was left by 
Rev d Prince at my lodgings, requesting me to join in the Lecture 
proposed last September. I wrote an answer in substance, that I 
was utterly averse to it. Not from disrespect to the Gentlemen who 
hold the course but to preserve a consistency in my late declara- 
tions, with my conduct. 

Monday, April 30. I went for Newbury in a chaise with Lydia 
Mason & arrived at Newburyport at 12 o'clock. [159] I put up 
at Capt Noyes', dined with him & spent the evening with Mr. 
Murray. I found him a Scholar & a Gentleman. His Lady is of a 
most excellent person rather corpulent, but of a fine countenance. 
Tuesday was the Quarterly Fast at the Presbyterian Church. The 
rigid doctrines of the Confession were preached by Mr Murray in 
the morning, but rendered tolerable by the uncommon eloquence of 
Mr M. who exceeds in delivery all his contemporaries of New E. 
He stands low & appears to speak from the memory, but really has 

♦"Crowell" was often written "Crow." 
^Benjamin Lynde Oliver? 

iDied, April 24, John Brown, a Swede, set. 18, at Capt. Moses Townsend's, consumption. 
He was brought by the Captain from Trinidad. 




REV. JOHN MURRAY. 



Pastor of the Old South Church, Newburyport, I 781 -I 793. From the 
portrait now in possession of a descendant. 



1787] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 61 

his notes before him. In prayer he lifts the hands & sometimes 
applies them to the breast but uses no other gestures. In Sermon 
he is not in the least affected in his manner, he triumphs over his 
audience, & supports attention for three hours. In the afternoon 
the performances by a M r Strong were contemptible. I dined on 
Wednesday with Mr Murray. His affability is engaging. He is 
agreeable in spite of his doctrines. I spent Tuesday evening with 
a Master Pike, who has in the [160] press a Treatise of Arithmetic. 
He is the Master of the Grammar School, & of Cambridge Univer- 
sity. I was also introduced to a Master Norton in the South "Writ- 
ing School. He has raised himself by his moral good qualities, & 
his attention to study in the public esteem. Understands french 
perfectly. The Printer M r Mycall gave me some Types from his 
own Foundery which did him honor. M r Cary the Congregational 
minister preached on Thursday at his own house. A pious and 
rational discourse. He is a man of wealth, & of kind manners, as 
a better acquaintance shews. On Friday I returned, & arrived at 
Salem, impressed by the hospitality of the Gentlemen, whose houses 
I visited, Rev d Cary & Murray, D r Swett, Messieurs Hoit, Noyes, 
Pike, Norton, &c. 

Curious passage as a Specimen from the 60 Sermons of Mr Par- 
sons, predecessor to Mr Murray. Vol. 1 p. 345, Christ the Root & 
Morning Star. 4 as he is the cause of all, which renders souls 
truely amiable. It is an ancient observation [161] that when the 
morning star has the ascendant over other stars its influences pro- 
duce comely features upon human bodies, and tho' we may think it 
whimsical, it is as accountable as many other known facts. For it 
is a known fact, that objects may be so striking to the imagination, 
as to cause uncomely features, & why they should not have an 
equal influence to produce the contrary, 1 believe none can tell ! 

In another Book I saw there, God is called, a Curious Lapidary. 
I received of Capt Noyes as a present Dictionaire de synonymes 
franqois. Made little acknowlidgements to the children. Pur- 
chased the Friend to Children, & presented to a daughter of Capt 
Hodges on my return. This little Book is printed by Mycall from 
the common English translation from the french Berthouir.* It is 
admirably imitative of the tender & infant manners of the children, 
& has the most proper subjects for instruction at that age. It is a 
book fit to spread, which would be an easy work, could any person 
afford to do it gratis ! 

[162] May, 1787. Mr Norris wrote to me informing me that the 
Law required a return of marriages every April. 

6. Note for Joseph Brown, work house, he & wife, for him sick. 
Saw at Newbury in the vault under the pulpit of the Presbyterian 
Church the remains of the Bev : George Whitefield. He died Sept. 
1770. His Body is yet firm. The resistance of the breast is as great 

'Amand Berquin. 



62 diary op [1787 

as in a piece of tight parchment, both his hands are taken away, & 
his throat cut open. Sailed, Henry White. 

8. Mr Ellis Mansfield jun r presented to me a View of Lord Bol- 
ingbroke's Philosophy. 8 vo. Association Lectures at Holts, Cut- 
ter preached. The subject, the Convertion & character of Cornelius. 
Quere, whether he was the first Gentile convert? The Eunuch went 
to worship at Jerusalem, which shows a prepossession, & the Sami- 
tants had some connection. But there being prior facts shew that 
the conversion of Cornelius was not the beginning, but rather a main 
fact in a gradual series, by which Christianity was introduced 
among the Gentiles, of which series the sending for Paul at Tarsus, 
where Peter was, & the preaching [163] at Antioch, where the dis- 
ciples were first called Christians, was the close. Quere, whether 
Cornelius can be said, to have been chosen for the liberality of the 
Soldier, in preference to Stoics, Epicureans, &c. Whether such a 
fact does not contradict the analogy of the conversion of Paul, a 
Pharisee, &c, & whether the character of Cornelius, as a man of 
religion is not also out of the Apology of the Soldier's character, & 
whether devotion is not in the Scripture sense, inseperable from 
superstition, & whether his devotion is not actually considered as 
the only cause of the vision, & whether the next examples of 
convertions at Antioch are not considered as of the same descrip- 
tion, & the opposers also devout women ? Whether then upon the 
whole the character of the soldier is not distroyed. 
A Note with a pair of Clasps. 

May 9, 1787. 

Madam Alice Orne,* permit me to express my unfeigned esteem 
of your person, & my best wishes, that you may enjoy in your fam- 
ily, & posterity every valuable pleasure, by the little gift to your 
Son, which accompanies these lines. Accept from your sincere 
friend, W. B. 

Answer. R. S. I received your kind note with the present to 
my little son. I take it as the gift of friendship. I am much obliged 
to you for the particular attention you have shewn me. May you 
prosper in all your undertakings, is the ardent wish of your sincere 
friend, & well wisher, A. 0. 

[164] May 13, 1787. John Gunnison, Wife's safe delivery. 
Died 14th April, Rev d John Angier of Bridge water, set. 86, ministry, 
63. 

20. Saml Ingersoll for wife's delivery & bound himself to Sea. 
Benj a Dean, Wife's delivery & his return from Sea. Sent a mem : 
by Capt Hodges who sailed. For a Russian Dictionary & Gram- 
mar. For Prince Shenebatof the Historian. For Lomonozof the 
Writer of Odes & for Somororof the Dramatist. At the bottom to 
get Midler's Samlung Russeschter Geschichter, or the German Works 

♦Daughter of Capt. Edward Allen and wife of Cipt. Josiaa Ome. 



1787] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 63 

of Gellert, or Midler's Journal of Petersburg, periodical in German. 
Sent a list upon a larger Scale to Gotheburg in Sweden by Jn° Gi- 
baut. It included min : respecting Russian, Danish, Swedish, & 
German literature, sometime in March last. 

[165] 27. James Brown & wife, death of Brother & Brethren 
at Sea. Abigail Cooley, sudden death of her husb. Abigail Masury, 
sudden death of Child. A Brief was read this day for a contribution 
for the families who suffered by a fire in Boston, April 20, 1787. 
This John Cooley, of Whitehaven, England, married a Batten, & 
has left one child a Boy 5 years old. Was drowned off the Capes 
of Virginia in a skiff going to his vessel, Capt. J. Birchmore, Com- 
mander, ait 31. He attended the worship of the Church of Eng. 
Presented to Betsey Cook my London Edition of " Paradise Lost," 
24to. 

29. Went with Betsey Cook* to Wenham. 

Books presented in my Parish. To Betsey Cook, Paradise 
Lost. 24to. To Nancy Stone, Gay's Fables. 12mo. To Sally 
Stone, English Dicty. 8 vo. To Hannah Hodges, Child : Friend, 
12mo. To Alice Orne, Sterne's Serm. 7 vol. 12mo. To Pris- 
cilla Lambert, Uni. Mag. 3 vol. 8 vo. & Gent. Mag. 1755. To Bet- 
sey Cooke, Lowth's Grammar. To Nancy Stone, Dryden's Fables. 
12mo. 

[1G6] May 30. Went to Boston, &c. &c. A disagreeable con- 
ference with that stupid Breck of Topsfield. 

June 2. W n ' Hopes, Wife's delivery, Brethren at Sea. 

June 4. Engaged on a journey to Saco, in the eastern country, 
in the county of York, & province of Maine, in company with Pris- 
cilla Lambert, the youngest daughter of Capt Joseph Lambert. 

[167] We crossed Beverly ferry at 8 o'clock, stopped in Ipswich 
at 11, & crossed Salisbury ferry at 1 o'clock. At 3 we dined at 
Hampton falls. At 6 we reached Greenland, & at 8 we arrived at 
Portsmouth. 

Portsmouth is the Capital of New hampshire. It is situated on 
the west side of the entrance into Piscatua river. It does not ap- 
pear so large as Salem, or Newbury. The streets are not so regular 
as Newbury, nor in so good stile, as to the buildings as Salem. In 
Vaughn Street is their Assembly, which is much larger than that at 
Salem, but its paintings are not so elegant. The Hall is up a flight 
of stairs & of a single story. The fireplaces are as at Salem, on 
each side of the entrance, but the Music gallery has the appearance 
rather of a childish imitation, from the size of its balustrate, & must 
have an ill effect when the gallery is fitted. The benches are upon 
the floor, & not raised as at Salem. The drawing rooms are very 
convenient, in the room they contain. There are two Congregational 
Churches, one, formerly preached in by D r Langdon, now by a Mr 

•Daughter of Cuarlea and Hannah (Stone) Cook. 



64 diary op [1787 

Buckminster, is on the west side of the Court house. [168] The 
Tower is depressed, & no elegance in the Spire. The other at the 
lower end of the Town, in which D r Haven preaches, is a large 
building, with a naked Spire, injured by a sudden gust of wind. 
The Church of England has a very elevated, & delightful situation, 
upon a hill, which projects, into the river, & from which there is 
the best prospect of the Town. The Wharf, & business below, & 
the river, & country above. There is nothing in the building very 
pleasing & it is remarkable, tho' it has room enough, the Altar is 
thrown into the body of the Church. In this Town is an Assembly 
of Brownists so called from the head of the sect. They have a 
house of worship, with a belfry, in the lower street. In their 
public service they have no appointed person to officiate & every 
brother may prophecy. There is also a house for the worship of the 
Sandemanians, & Glassites. In this town that ingenious Scotchman 
had his greatest success, & tho' his sect has lessened since his death. 
In this place, & in no other in New hampshire, or Massachusetts, 
do they maintain regular worship. The Court or Town house is 
much out of repair, is a large building, unornamented, and not in 
the most frequented part [168] of the Town. Below in the cross 
street there is an elegant house kept by Mr Brewster for entertain- 
ment. After passing the ferry at Portsmouth, we went through a 
part of Kittery, the Spire of the first parish, & old town being seen 
upon our right hand at a few miles distance. We then passed a 
Meeting house called Spruce Creek. It had a tower, & no bell, & 
resembled much the idea I had of a Scotch church. We then 
crossed a bridge which brought us to York. The Spire of the meet- 
ing house rests upon the round of the Tower, which gives the ap- 
pearance of a disagreeable length to the Spire. And this is true of 
all Spires eastward of Salem, except 8 Mr Spring's of Newbury, which 
is very short, & rises out of a lanthorn over the tower, & has no 
pleasing effect. Over the bridge by turning to the left, & not to 
the right, we passed Rev d Mr Lyman's about noon on Wednesday 
the 5. We enquired our road, but was not invited to stop, tho in 
a heavy rain. The road is rough & very uneven. We dined at 
York, & at 2 o'clock we set out for Wells through a very disagreea- 
ble road, & for a stage of 13 miles, during which the rain [170] was 
incessant, & at times violent. The road was very rocky, inhabited 
by poor people, whose cottages could not be exceeded in miserable 
appearance by any of the most miserable in Europe. We saw no 
marks of discontent. Glass was not to be seen. Eew of the huts 
were framed, & few had floors. The Crotches supported a few 
slabs, under which the inhabitants lived. We reached Littlefield's 
in Wells at night. The part of the road which is over a ridge of 
smooth stones thrown up by the sea is no longer to be used, as we 
are told, & the court of sessions have ordered a road above, to be 
opened immediately. Erom Wells we proceeded next morning to 



1787] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 65 

Kennebunk. The road is sandy, & much more comfortable. In 
these Towns, formerly one, are two well known clergymen. Mr 
Hemmenway of Wells, for his answers to Hopkins & at Kennebunk, 
Mr Little, the Missionary to the Indians. Beyond Kennebunk 
meeting house lives Mr Bernard, who rides post from Falmouth to 
Portsmouth, in this lower road. The road was bad through Arundel 
woods till we reached Saco, which finished our journey, from the 
badness of the roads & the rains. 

[171] Expenses down to Saco & Distances. 

Miles 

Beverly ferry, 1/. 
10. Ipswich, Treadwell, /7 d /4, l/2 d 

12. Salisbury ferry, 1/4. oats, 4/ 1/2. Toll at Newbury 

bridge, /8. 

8. Hampton falls, Sanburne, 2/8 d 

9. Greenland, Libby, /4 1/2. 

5. Portsmouth, Brewster's, 7/9*. Ferry, 2/. 
9. York, Emerson, 2/5. 

13. Wells, Littlefield, 6/. 

8. Kennebunk, Bernard, /9 d 

9. Saco, Bridge, /8. 

Saco bridge was carried away by the freshet of the river, & re- 
paired last fall. It passes to an Island, of about 18 acres, which is 
the property of Col. Cutts, who has a large house upon the top of 
it which is very high. The Soil is Clay, which the rains render 
very disagreeable & not in the highest degree of cultivation. There 
are a few small houses upon the island. The falls of the river are 
on each side of the Island, widest on Biddeford or the west side, 
but more sudden on the side towards Pepperellborough. [172] 
About a mile above the falls is the Boom which confines the logs, 
from whence they are drawn out, being known by the marks & 
rafted, & lain near the banks of the river below for the sawing. The 
Boom, so called as going over the river, consists of six large logs, 
hewn on one side, chained together, & fastened on the opposite 
shores, to two booms, which are secured by strong horses in the 
ground at the further ends, & which rest upon cobbs, & to the other 
ends have chains reaching to the logs in the river. The logs are 
rafted by pegs in the middle, & confined by ropes. The road on 
Pepperellborough side is very level, & good, all the way up to the 
boom, being chiefly sand. The other side is broken, & very uneven, 
besides being cut into islands, which the small branches of the river 
form. We passed halfway up upon the Biddeford side to the 
island, & then ferried over. Pepperellborough meeting house stands 
about half a mile from the bridge on the road leading to Old 
Orchard, & by the side of the river, for several miles below the 
meeting house the soil is sandy and the road good. It runs nearly 
southeast. I went down the river about a mile to the narrows. The 



66 DIARY OF [1787 

river is navigable [173] only at high tide. There is a bar at the 
mouth. Gordon's neck, which I visited by land & which is a mile 
below the falls, & very high, containing about 8 acres is very agreea- 
ble, the best soil, & affords the most romantic view of the River, 
the falls, Cutts Island, the Settlements in Biddeford, & the Country 
round. The approach in over the great marsh & very disagreeable. 
About three miles in the road carried us down to the place called 
the old ferry, at which we could see the sea, & the course of the 
river, which is six miles below the falls. Col. Cutts house is the 
best in its situation, but by studying convenience within he has 
deranged all his windows, & destroyed the style of the building. 
Col. Scammon's house stands low, but has the best appearance in 
itself. It is over the bridge upon the Postroad, on the left hand. 
The other houses are so poorly finished, & so little glazed, that they 
have an ill effect. The meeting house on the floor is composed 
altogether of pews, & is finished but is but partly clapboarded with- 
out, & the windows are broken. 

[174] On Sunday I preached for Mr Fairfield. The singing 
was very good, the congregation neat, & the manners agreeable. 
As I arrived on Thursday noon, I spent till Wednesday following 
June 13 in the Town. I took letters from D r Lathrop of Boston 
to Rev d Mr. Fairfield. He received me with great civility. I 
lodged on Saturday night with him, & spent Sunday. I found him 
not uninformed. But discovered that his first views were to accum- 
ulate interest at the expence of all the conveniences of life. The 
object of my visit being to see M™ Rice, a daughter of Capt Lam- 
bert, I tarried with the Doctor, her husband, as at my home. 
The Doctor is kind, not liberally educated, but successful among 
the people. Mr Welcome & family were from Salem, & formerly 
my hearers, belonging to the same family. Col Cutts is rich but a 
man of the world. Col Scammons chatty, Capt Coit kind, Mr 
James Gray, who had two sons with me at the university, boasting, 

Mr Clark conceited, Mr Abbot slow, Mr George Thatcher, 

Lawyer of Biddeford, was at court. His Lady, daughter of [175] 
Judge Savage of Weston, Middlesex, is amiable. The most agree- 
able girl of the place, was the only daughter of Col Scammons , 
which I saw. The only Son of Rev d Fairfield addresses my female 
partner in the journey. By forming a plan to give Mr Fairfield a 
seat in the chaise, & to return in Capt Tong, by water, I became 
acquainted with the obstructions in the navigation of the river. 
The wind must be on the northerly points to cross the bar, which 
wind was uncommon at this season. On Wednesday we left Saco 
on our return, deterred by our experience of the lower road from 
that way, & solicited by Messieurs Abbot, & Fairfield to take an- 
other rout. We were to turn to the right three miles beyond Ken- 
nebunk. On this road we see the advantage of comparison. The 
paint on Mr Brown's house, near the meeting house in Kennebunk, 



1787] KEV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 67 

obliges attention, in despite of the neglect of all proportion, & gives 
the idea of wealth and distinguished prosperity. [176] On this 
road we see before us the Hills Adrimeticus* in York near Deacon 
Clarke's in Wells at whose house we dined & opposite to Deacon 
Wells, 4 miles from Kennebunk, we broke our axle tree, & were de- 
tained the whole day. The roads for two miles here were exceed- 
ingly bad, owing to the deep ruts made by the great lumbering in 
the late rains. Afterwards the dry Clay was tolerable, & then we 
came to the Ridge which for five miles was very good, being a mix- 
ture of gravel & sand. Then the Clay roads from the very deep 
ruts, & the roads through the low grounds from the beams laid 
across made the roads very bad. The clay hills in Berwick were 
very bad. At the falls seven miles from Berwick landing is a meeting 
of the friends & the country is much better cultivated than any we had 
seen below the Piscataqua. On the right the upper meeting house of 
Berwick shews with a white spire, in a very elevated situation. On 
the other side of the landing the lower meeting house, has an ele- 
vated situation, a higher spire, not painted. [177] We were polite- 
ly received by Mr Cutts, Son in law to Col Cutts, from whose delight- 
ful situation we beheld the settlements at the falls. Over Quem- 
pegan Bridge, or Indian fishing ground we passed in two miles to 
Somersworth. The meeting house is new, has a tower, & is not 
glazed. In four miles we reached Dover. It's meeting house has 
a steeple, & is near the landing. The road from Berwick to Som- 
ersworth is level sand. From thence to Dover mostly clay. Pass- 
ing the friend's meeting house we go down to Dover point, called 
Bloody point, which is one of the most beautiful places I ever be- 
held. The river in its different branches, on both sides, & the 
country round & Newington & Portsmouth spires at a great dis- 
tance. Here my horse tired, but by the assistance of the Gentle- 
men in our company we reached Greenland, & there obtained an- 
other horse. We passed the ferry into Newington, & rode over its 
green, & pastures live miles into the great road to Portsmouth, & 
were at the same distance from Portsmouth as were from Bloody 
point ferry, when we entered the Post road. The roads meet at 
Green [178] land from different directions, & the meeting house 
with a handsome spire stands near the three taverns, which are 
here opposite each other. Here I visited the benevolent Mr Mac- 
clentock. His countenance was the most agreeable that ever I be- 
held. We then returned to Hampton Falls, passing North hill 
meeting house, on the left without a spire, & Hampton meeting 
house on the left a little from the post road, having a spire, which 
may be viewed from the surrounding hills, in the valley between 
which it is situated. The Meeting house at the falls has been re- 
moved about ten years, two miles up Exeter road upon our right on 

♦Agamenticus. 



68 DIARY OF [1787 

our return. We then pass into Seabrook, pass the friends meeting 
house, & the congregational meeting house on our right & then 
Salisbury lower meeting house on our left & reach the ferry to 
Newbury. After breakfast we left Newbury, & arrived to dine at 
Wenham, spent the afternoon upon the Ponds & arrived at Salem 
in company with Mr Fairfield leaving Mr Abbot at Newbury on his 
journey to Andover. 

[179] Expences & Distances from Saco to Salem. 
9. Kennebunk. 

4. Deacon Clarke, Wells, 6/4 

axle tree, 2/4 

Gripes, Ring, &c, 3/10 

15. Berwick Landing, 
2. Somersworth, 
4. Dover, /4 1/2 

4. Bloody point ferry, 1/2 1/2 

5. Greenland, Libby, 2/ 
9. Sanburne's, Hampton falls, 2/6 

8. Newbury ferry, 1/4 

12. Ipswich, Tread well, /4 1/2 

6. Wenham, Fairfield, 3/7 1/2 
5. Beverly ferry, 1/. 

If discouragement can arise from continued rain & rocks in goiug, 
and excessive heat, & clay ruts returning, then, &c. 

[180] About the same time in the year 1785, Extracts from D r 
Priestley's Catechisms were published at Salem under the Title, Ex- 
tracts from D r Priestley's Catechism, at Boston, with the New 
Chapel Liturgy. The first were barely Extracts, without any 
material alterations, the latter by Mr Freeman with several altera- 
tions, & the following are the reasons, why such alterations might 
not be received hereafter in the former. The Lord's prayer beingin the 
Scriptures was a needless addition to a Catechism. The [re] was no nec- 
essity after a Child has declared God would love him if good, to make 
the enquiry respecting the punishment, & power, to punish two 
questions. The wicked will receive their just punishment, but why 
not go to hell, why not an idea of terror, if they are told afterward 
that hell is local as that he will send the wicked into a place of 
punishment. To avoid the expression of God's anger, should you 
not be afraid, that God, who sees you, will [181] punish you. 
Cannot a parent be angry at a fault, & love a child too, & is not 
this a familiar just idea, & ground of fear, & in what respect is 
fear, softer than anger. Afterwards there is an enquiry whether 
there is any form of words in which Christians express the princi- 
pal articles of their belief, & the answer is yes, the Apostles' Creed, 
which was composed in the first ages of Christianity. How it was 
composed for the ends of the party, the history of it may show, & 
it is absurd to propose a form, which it is necessary to mutilate. 



1787] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 69 

It omits what is the Bible, & the account of providence. He has in- 
serted one ingenious question. In what manner should we treat 
the inferior animals? 

Ans. We should treat them with tenderness & humanity ; & never 
torment them or destroy their lives to make ourselves sport because 
they are the creatures of God, & because God has commanded 
us to be merciful unto them. Then comes in the enquiry to intro- 
duce the ten commandments, which Priestly mutilated, but this 
gives in full length. How should such a person hesitate at the 
word anger. 

[182] June 24. M rs Silver, death of Son in law, & son at Sea. 

June 25. Monday received Charles Jackson. On Monday, 
Catachized 70 female children, delivered 26 copies of Catachisms. 
On Tuesday, Catachized 102 male children, delivered 66 copies of 
Catachisms. At present the Town engaged upon the subject of a 
Bridge over Beverly ferry. The Question was tried on Monday, 
June 25, & carried against the Bridge. Against it, 187, for it 
164. 

The Representation of those who are for a Bridge over Beverly 
Ferry is, as follows: A Comparative view of the distances from 
the County Road in Beverley to several parts of Salem by way of 
Orne's Point, with the distances to the same parts of Salem by Ferry 
Lane. 

[183] From the ferry ways, or County Road 
in Beverly to M r Van's Corner,* by way of Orne's Rods. Links. 
Point is, 608 12 

From the same ferry ways or County road, over 
the Bridge at the place proposed, through ferry lane 
to M r Van's corner, is, 580 6 

Difference in favor of Ferry Lane, is, 28 6 

From said Ferry ways, or County road in Bev- 
erley, to the place where the old Court House stood, 
by Orne's Point, is, 654 18 

From the same place in Beverley, to the same 
place in Salem through Ferry Lane, is, 534 1 

[184] Difference in favor of ferry Lane, is, 120 17 

or 3 /8 th8 of a mile. 

From said ferry ways, or County road in Bever- 
ley, to an half way Point between M r Van's corner, 
& M r Gardner's corner, near Doctor Holyoke's, by 
Orne's point, is, 674 15 

From the same place in Beverley to the same 
place in Salem by Ferry Lane is 514 3 

Difference in favor of Ferry Lane, is, 160 12 

or half a mile. 

•Corner of Essex and North streets. 



70 DIARY OP [1787 

From said Ferry ways or County road in Bever- 
ley to Gardner's corner, by Orne's point, is, 740 17 

From the same place in Beverley to the same 
place in Salem by Ferry Lane, is, 458 1 

[185] Difference in favor of Ferry Lane, is, 282 16 

which is more than 7 /8 th * of a mile. 

From the County road in Beverley, through Ferry 
Lane, & over the flats on two Courses to the south 
end of North Field bridge, is, 486 

And by Orne's point, 549 

Difference in favor of Ferry Lane, 63 

From the Statement of distances, which have been accurately as- 
certained, it follows, that from the County road in Beverley, to any 
part of Salem on the South side of North River, it is nearer by 
Ferry Lane, than by Ornes Point. And to all that part of the Town 
which [186] lies to the Eastward of Doctor Holyoke's, & where 
the principal business is transacted, it is nearer by half a mile, & 
to the Ropewalks, Derby's Wharf, & all that part of the town, it is 
nearer by a full mile. It is to be observed that the admeasurement 
from whence the aforegoing facts result, was taken along the middle 
of the roads, as they now are, both by way of Orne's point, & by 
way of ferry Lane. It is also to be observed that a farther differ- 
ence of thirty rods in favor of Ferry Lane may be made, by having 
the Bridge where the ways now are on Beverley side, & a still 
further saving of twenty or thirty rods by cutting off the angle at 
the head of Ferry Lane, but as these might be balanced by a new 
road from Orne's point more directly towards the North field bridge, 
the Comparison between the two Roads must forever remain, nearly 
the same as stated above. From George Cabot, &c. &c. 

[187] Lydia Smith, dang: sick, delivery. Benj a Archer, sick. 
Hannah Caen,* death of her Brother, husband & son at Sea. 
Lydia Smith, dangerously sick by a dysentery which attended her 
delivery. A Negro boy found drowned from the North Bridge. 

July 4. Was celebrated by the military parade of the Artillery 
& Independant Companies. The Point of honor, respecting the 
Right hand prevented a coalition. The Artillery are in black with 
yellow, the Independants in red with white underclothes. The 
Clergy dined at the Sun with the Cadets. 

July 6. I received of M" Hodges a present of a Canary Bird, 
bred in her own house & about a fortnight old. He has wings & 
neck grey, &c. &c. 

July 8. Notes for delivery. From Hannah Hodges, Joseph 
Lander jun r , George Hodges, & James Brown. Notes on death of 
Archerf from Hannah Archer, Jonathan & Sister Brown & fr. at 
Sea. 

*Keene? 

t Benjamin Archer, son of Nathaniel, born 1750, non compos. 



1787] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 71 

[188] July 15. Hannah Pearson, death of child, & husband 
away. 

July 22. Thomas Keene & wife, death of Brother & son at sea. 
Sam 1 Parrot & Wife, he dangerously sick. Mary Waters, delivery, 
Husband & Brothers at Sea. Deborah Sage, delivery, Husband & 
Brothers at Sea. A Frenchman drowned on July 20, in the even- 
ing, from a Vessel in the harbour. 

Thursday, 26. Began a written course of Lectures with the 
Misses at Capt Stone's. 

Saturday, 28. Rode with Miss Betsey Cooke to the Nahant 
where I found my very good friend M rs Bethune & her family, M" 
English, & Duncan, Jenny & Nancy, &c. I visited the natural 
curiosity, the Swallow house, a cavity through a rock in one of the 
head lands, & passed through. Upon our return we enjoyed the long 
beach, & tried an experiment of the coolness of the water upon our 
feet. We drank Coffee [189] at W. Breed's upon the right hand 
going, and arrived at Salem at eight o'clock. 

July 29. Sam 1 Parrot, sick. Mary Stocker, delivery, Husband 
& friends at sea. Mr Pintard, the American Consul at Maderia, 
left the name of the best writer of a Dictionary for the Portuguese 
Language. Antonio Veira. 

July 30. Was delivered to me A Primer engaged by 200 copies 
for the use of my parish with such alterations as were judged piop- 
er, for 4 1 8/. The object in this publication was not to countenance 
a work of this kind, in which the particular prejudices of a reli- 
gious party, or any religious sentiments are inculcated, but as an 
intermediate step to the utter abolition of such works, & to intro- 
duce regular grammars into our Schools, &c. &c. 

[190] Capt Elkins returned, & brought with him a curious fe- 
male adventurer, who pretended that she was carried of from Nor- 
folk in Virginia, by a Captain from Waterford, from whence she 
escaped to Gotheburg, & from thence came to Salem. After tarrying a 
few days at Capt Gibaut's she sailed in Dennis for Virginia, under 
the name of Jude Wilkie Hiscomb. 

Aug : 3. Friday. Had a Sail with B. C. & S. S. quite in the 
wet, & disagreeable way, & as it is the begin g designed as the 
end, &c. 

Aug. 8 Had my friend Winthrop from Cambridge. 

Aug. 11, 1787. M r ». H. Jackson, M. The design of my writ- 
ing to you, excuses me for not writing sooner. Charles has now 
been with me long enough, to enable me to judge of his abilities. 
And without flattery I can assure you, that I have the most pleas- 
ing hopes. His engaging deportment in the family recommends 
his temper, his choice of companions, his prudence, & his applica- 
tion, with his ready comprehension, his wise purpose to answer the 
best expectations of his friends. Tho I have been much with 
youth, I confess, I was never better pleased with anyone & I hope 



72 DIARY OF [1787 

upon the return of his Papa [191] we shall have good proof that 
his abilities have not been unassisted with useful instruction. 
With aff. regards to the parent of so agreeable a youth, your dev: 
Ser. W. B. 

Spent an hour at Capt Allen's with Latour the Dutch Consul for 
Boston & Mr Grooves the Dutch Consul for Charlestown, South 
Carolina. Mr Grooves was very agreeable. M rs Latour was not un- 
sociable. Her husband not a man of enquiry. 

Aug. 12. At Lynn attended a funeral among the friends. No 
meeting at the meeting house. We had an tedious silence at the 
house. Their appearance very simple & pleasing. 

Aug. 14. At association, Wadsworth's. Mr McKeen assured 
me that 16 families about 70 years ago, settled Londonderry in N. 
Hampshire. That the heads of all these families outlived their 
generation in Ireland & that their ages added together exceeded 80 
years each. Quere whether their longevity, compared with the 
ages of their friends in Ireland depended most on climate or mode 
of life? 

[192] On Wednesday, 15 August, an uncommon hurricane 
about 6 P. M. passed over the Towns of Framingham, Sudbury, 
Ma[r]lborough, &c. Great damage was done to the fields, build- 
ings, &c. A French fleet this week in Boston. 

On Wednesday, 22, we had a funeral celebrated in the C. of 
England,* quite in West Indian Taste. The Singers were Bacchin- 
alians from Marblehead, who were entertained with punch in the 
Organ loft, which gave the true air to their music, to the no small 
satisfaction of the devout men who gave the invitation. 

Aug. 26. Castor Dickerson, a Mullato, for his wife sick. Widow 
Mary Crowninshield, d : of her Son in Law Molloy, & sons at Sea. 

Was presented by Master Lang, a Medal of Silver in value about 
16", & in size below \ a Pistareen. On one side within a wreath, 
which encircles the whole face is an eye with the glory above, with 
a book [193] open below, on one part is written AUG. & on the 
same line opposite, is CONF. On the same book below 1530. Boyle 
in the life of Melancthon says, " that M. in 1530 drew up a consti- 
tution of faith. It is that which goes by the name of the Confes- 
sion of Augsburg, because it was presented to the Emperor at the 
edict held there." On the reverse is a shield, upper half barred, 
with the inscription round it in German letters : (Bott. tU£. Ctbtt- 

C5cbt. ttntcrm, and on the sides of the shield, 1730. Gott. 

The honor of the Confession on us. Supposed to have been exe- 
cuted at Gottenburg, & inscribed in the Swedish Language. Copied 
off hastily in the evening. 

[194] Returned from Sea, Capt Tim. Welman, Capt Benj a 
Crowninshield, Capt Henry White. Sick, M ra Waters, of Cap 

•St. Peter's Church. 



1787] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 73 

Waters. Sailed, Capt Henry Elkins. About this time several vio- 
lent hurricanes were felt in New England. One at Stepney in 
Connecticut, which reached many miles, one in the government of 
Rhode Island, &e. &c. &c. &c. 

Presented to Winthrop a Copper Coin of Charles twelfth, of 
Sweden, 7 by 9 inches. The stamps were all on one side, one in 
the middle, & one at each corner. Its weight about 4 lb. 

A note to Parson Diman, with \ a dozen primers, signifying that 
they are published to render the method of religious education more 
simple. 

Sept. 2. Rebecca Brown, death of husband* and son at Sea. Sukey 
West died last night. Now sick, M ri Waters. 

On Thursday, Aug. 30, at 4 o'clock P. M. was seen a meteor in 
the north east, bearing over the Isle of Shoals, at an altitude of 30 
degrees, it was large, & appeared to burst & discharge [195] a 
smoke which reached at a distance from the nucleus, whose motion 
was quick, & appearance several minutes. As no person of philo- 
sophic observation beheld it, these circumstances are mentioned in 
which the accounts from different parts of the town, & the towns 
for 40 miles on our eastern coast agree. A vessel then at the Isle 
of Shoals reports a discharge like a confused firing of small arms, 
some in town pretend to have heard a report, &c. All agree that it 
appeared large, & was attended with smoke. 

About this time there was a great difficulty respecting the circu- 
lation of the small copper Coin. Those of George III. being well 
executed were of uncommon thinness, & those stamped from the 
face of other coppers in sand, commonly called " Birmingham "f 
were very badly executed. Beside these there were coppers, bearing 
the authority of the states of Vermont, Connecticut, & New York, 
&c, but no accounts [196] how issued, regularly transmitted 
The Connecticut Copper, has a face, in general form resembling the 
Georges, with this Inscription, AUCTORI : CONNEC : The edge 
plain, but the face fretted on one side near the edge. On the reverse 
is a woman resembling the Brittania of the English Coppers with 
the staff & cap of liberty iu one hand & the branch of peace in the 
other & shield behind, the Inscription INDE : ET : LIB : underneath 
1787, & late dates. 

The New York Copper is like the other excepting that it has no 
fret on its face near the edges, & has the following inscriptions. 
On the face, NOVA EBORAC : separated by roses. On the reverse, 
VIRT. ET. LIB: underneath 1787. On the Vermont Coppers, a 
specimen of which I have not before me, are new emblems, adapted 
to their own condition. A new star appearing among the thirteen. 
A rising Sun over the mountains, to denote the green mountain 

•Capt. Nathan Brown, died Aug. 7, 1787, at Mnrtinico. 
tAfterwards familiarly known as " Brummagem*. " 



74 DIARY OF [1787 

boys, a name assumed in the war, & a plow below. Inscriptions 
forgotten. [197] Of all the executions the Vermont is the most 
perfect. A Mint it is said is preparing for the commonwealth of 
Massachusetts. It may be noted that the New York & Connecticut 
Coin face opposite tvays. 

To remember all the Coin which passes through my hands, I note 
down a few Coppers of foreign Coin. 

Swedish Coin. Shield, three bars, lion rampant, round four 
crowns. Ins. S. G. V. R. A. F. reverse, cross bearded arrows, crown 
above. Ins : 2. OR. S. M. underneath, 1763. measures, 1 inch & 3/10 u,s . 

Cross. [ ] round four crowns, reverse, cross bearded arrows, 

crown above. Ins. 1. OR. S. M. underneath, 1747. measures, 1 inch, 
3/20 th \ Printed AF. round four crowns, reverse as above. 1759. 

Russian. A Warrior on horseback, with a Spear, piercing a pros- 
trate Dragon, with a confused foliage. On the reverse a wreath 
infolding a Cypher. 

[198] Plan of a Bird Cage. To have the trap bottom of a very 
hard wood, of twice the common thickness, & dove-tailed into the 
sides & glued. To have one false & moveable bottom of a 
wood least apt to warp, & entering on the side opposite to the 
trough, on account of the dovetailed bottom. That when entered 
into the Cage, this false bottom, shall be covered on all sides by a 
Groove cut into the sides, which shall be of greater thickness on 
that account. The false bottom shall not rest upon the true bottom, 
but shall play into the groove made for it. The trough shall enter 
on one side, & the frame in which the trough commonly is placed, 
shall be removed at pleasure on the other, being formed like a larger 
trough, & resting upon the true bottom, having a groove upon its 
open side in the cage to receive the end of the false bottom at the 
height of the groove made in the inner part of the immovable sides. 
The top of this frame in which the holes are made for a communica- 
tion with the trough, shall also slide in & out, at the side in which 
the frame enters. On the sides in which the frame, & trough enter, 
shall the holes be made for the fountain, exactly in the middle, & 
near the top. The side over the place, at which the false bottom 
enters, & which cannot be glued upon the bottom, shall be formed 
to [199] take out, & be confined only with grooves for the more 
convenient cleansing of the Cage. The wires which compose the 
body of the cage shall be entirely detached from any wood, except 
the Head in which they meet, & from which the cage hangs. Their 
form shall be round, but of strait sides, & be fastened on the wooden 
bottom by small staples. The corners of the wooden bottom shall 
not be covered with wire but secured with dovetail corner pieces, 
extending to the wires. The sides of the wooden bottom shall be 
3 inches high and of the upright wires nine, thence gently rising to 
the head, through which the wire passes upon which the cage 
hangs. 



1787] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 75 

Further information from Portsmouth, Exeter, & York, as well 
as from Stow in the County of Middlesex, Massach : assures us of 
the real appearance of a meteor, & a report loud like thunder, but 
the accounts of the appearance are sore confused. 

Sept 9. Jon a Mason & Wife, death of Child. Read Vote for the 
promotion of a public contribution. 

[200] Tuesday, Sept. 11. Association at my house, present, Rev d 
James Diman, Rev d Thomas Bernard, Rev d Isaac Story, Rev d Eben- 
ezer Hubbard, Rev d Mr Holt, Rev d Mr Wadsworth, Rev d Mr Forbes, 
Rev d Mr MacKeen, Rev d Mr. Swain, Rev d Mr Cutler. Private Gent. 
Mr Treadwell, Read & Noyes. Father Holt preached about & 
about it. 

Course adopted in the Instruction of Charles, &c. 

Saturday. History of English Language. Progress of Literature. 
The Grammar. Rhetoric & Belles Lettres. 

Monday. Latin History. Style of History. Livy & Caesar. 
Salhust & Tacitus. 

Tuesday. Latin Poetry. Epic. Virgil. Lyric. Horace. &c. 

[201] Wednesday. Latin Grammar. Syntax & Prosody. 

Thursday. Prose Exercises. Orations. Cicero. Ethics. Cicero & 
Seneca. Epistles. Pliny 2 d & Cicero. Dramatic. Terence & Plautus. 
Philosophy. Cicero & Pliny 1 st . 

Friday. Arts & Sciences of the Antients. 

Sept. 16. Henry Prince for wife's delivery & friends at Sea. In 
removing a Stone wall in Mystic, or Medford, in 1783, there were 
found under it a large Collection of brass pieces, nearly square, 
mixed with the smallest brass coins of Europe, the whole ^ peck. 
A few round ones, have a fleur-de-lis stamped on each side of them. 
The figures on the others were confused but representing no char- 
acter. The stone had lost all appearance of having ever been moved, 
& there is no recollection of the Currency of such pieces, which 
appear to have been of use. 

[202] An Act [passed June 22, 1786] for the orderly Solemniza- 
tion of marriages, 1786. p. 437. [appearing in the original Diary is 
here omitted]. 

[212] Sept. 20. Attended funeral of a Child of M r Moses, G. 
Son to Capt. Moses, 14 months old. 

Sept. 19. had a fire in the Chamber. 

Sept. 23. Joshua Leavitt & wife, death of Child. 

Sept. 24. My mother came to see me. 

Sept. 26. Gave a few general queries to Mr W m Mason going to 
Charlestown, South Carolina. 

A copper coin circulated with the apparent authority of Vermont. 
A Star with an eye in the center, & between the rays other Stars in 
number 13. Inscription Constellato nova. On the reverse a wreath 
in which is inclosed the cyphers [U. S.]. Inscription Libertas et 
Justitia. 1785. 



76 DIARY OF [1787 

[213] Sept. 30. Sarah Hodges, d : of Husband* & Brother at 
Sea. John Hodges & children, death of Sou, & Sons at Sea. James 
Chever, d. of Brother Hodges. 

Oct. 3. Rev d Mr. Oliver was ordained in upper Beverley. The 
Council consisted of 17 Churches. 

Pastors. 



2 in Salem, 


Bernard & Hopkins. 


2 in Danvers, 


Holt & Wadsworth. 


1 in Beverley, 


MacKeen. 


1 in Weuham, 


Swain. 


4 in Ipswich, 


Dana, Frisbee, Cutler & Cleveland 


1 in Cape Ann, 


Forbes. 


1 in Plymouth, 


Robbins. 


1 in Topsfield, 


Breck. 


1 in Wilmington, 


Morrill. 


1 in Andover, 


French. 


1 in Middleton, 


Smith. 


1 in Lynn, 


Parsons. 



The Council was mixed, & the questions marked the illiberality 
which is yet notorious in all such bodies of the Clergy. Mr. Hop- 
kins asked the Candidate at the close whether he were sure, that he 
had experienced the change called the new birth. The C. was tit to 
answer. [214] The services were, Sermon by French, Charge by 
Swain, Fellowship, McKeen. Father Morrill presided. I walked 
up to Wenham & dined at Aunt Fairfield's, & returned at 6 
o'clock. 

The result of the Federal Convention appeared among us this 
week. It excites great speculation, & I hope in spite of prejudiced 
men, who influence, that it may go down. Some complaint is made 
that the advantage is unduely thrown in favor of the representation 
from the southern states, &c. &c. 

Silver & Copper medals for Capt Kenrick on a voiage to the 
Pacific Ocean. On one side a Ship & Sloop under full sail, with 
the words Columbia & Washington commanded by J. Kenrick. On 
the reverse the following " Fitted at Boston, North America, for 
the Pacific Ocean by " encircling the names of J. Barrell, S. Brown, 
C. Bulfinch, J. Derby, C. Hatch, J. M. Pinard, 1787. Kenrick 
sailed Sept. 30, 1787. 

The Cents and half Cents are to have the device on one side, the 
Spread Eagle of the union, encircled [215] with the word " COM- 
MONWEALTH." On the reverse an Indian with his bow & 
arrow, surrounded with the word " MASSACHUSETTS." Coin of 
the Massa. Commonwealth. 

*Capt. Richard Hodges, died Aug. 17, 1787, at Demerara. 



1787] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 77 

An answer to M rs Porter.* M r B. feels the most sincere regard to 
M 18 P. M r B. always supposed M r8 P. favored by nature with supe- 
rior understanding, & always believed her conduct worthy of her 
understanding. Mr. B. has always retained respect for M" P. & 
could never have expressed the least dissatisfaction, had not some 
accidents shewn Mr. B. that M r8 P. distrusted his fidelity. Mr. B. is 
most happy in the prospect of a full restoration, will be very much 
obliged by having any services in his power, will wait upon M r8 P. 
at her father's on the morrow at Tea and by a total silence & 
forgetfulness respecting the past, do his utmost to secure the firm- 
est confidence for time to come. — (P. M.) upon reception of her 
note. 

Copy of M™ Porter's Note. M r8 Porter presents her respectful 
compliments to Mr B. tho' perhaps the unhappy difference, which 
has subsisted some time between them, may render it in his opin- 
ion rather impertinent, yet she hopes for his favorable excuse [216] 
& assures him it is her opinion that differences of all kinds are 
compromised in time. But she leaves that matter entirely to his 
discretion not doubting but his judgment is best. She however at 
present earnestly wishes for a little of his advice. And if he thinks 
her not too unworthy, begs it as a particular favour, that he would 
call & see her at her Father's. She is engaged out today to drink 
tea, but tomorrow morning — or tomorrow afternoon or in short 
any time, between that & Saturday night, which will be most agree- 
able to him. Thursday Morn 8 . Excuse errors. 

Oct. Nath. Knowlton, death of Wife & Child, sick Brother. Mary 
Boardman, delivery, husband & Brothers at Sea. 

Preached two old Sermons, with as great apprehensions of guilt 
& as much confusion as tho' I had stolen from my neighbours. It 
is the fault in this case that by a violation Ave get hardened. God 
forgive me. 

Oct. 9. Elias Hasket Derby arrived from Europe. On October 
5, happened a curious interview with a celebrated Joshua Grafton, 
which deserved to be remembered. [217] I had no previous ac- 
quaintance with the Gentleman. Tho' I had been at his house it 
was not on the occasion of any visit, or to dine with him. He had 
been sick ever since I had been in Salem. He sent for me by his 
Cousin. The reason offered for going, was, that the patient was 
apprehensive of death, & wished to communicate his last thoughts, 
& prove that he was of sound mind, & memory. I proposed to go 
after eleven & was accompanied by Capt Joseph White. After a 
few delays, a company mustered, consisting of Capt B. Putnam, 
Jon a Ingersoll, Josh : Ward, J° White, & J. Fiske. Upon our ad- 
mission below, the women, five in number consisting of old M rs 
Grafton, two maideus, a Miss Chapman, and a Woodbridge, began 

•Mrs. Uuth Porter daughter of Capt. Edward Allen and wife of Thomas Porter of 
Topafield. 



78 DIARY OF [1787 

a most horrible wailing. The intercession of the Cousin, & the 
commands of the Patient obliged us to go up. Our opinions were 
then different, whether the whole were distracted, a part, which 
part, which most, &c. The Patient made several demands for the 
Sexton, repeated a little poetry, talked of his Pall holders, ques- 
tioned such as were [218] present, & rambled from thing to thing 
to prove he was in his right mind. Then he required whether we 
judged him right, asked prayers, interrupted them, & soon we all 
retired in the greatest confusion, insulted by the women, confused 
by the unexpected powers of the family, & the conductor of the 
family told one of the persons looking for his hat, that if he would 
go home he would bring it to him. 

[219] A Letter from my father, shewing his proceedings respect- 
ing the Legacy of a Quilt & Pillow Cases, & Adams' refusal. 

Oct. 12. Received my Bird-cage upon the Plan of p. 198. The 
plan was well executed in the wood, but not in the wire. I bor- 
rowed of Lydia Mason, her Goldfinch to sing with my Canary. 

Oct. 14. Sam 1 Murray, death of Child. E. Allen, delivery of 
Wife. Ruth Porter ap plied to be propounded to our church, offering 
as a reason that she was better known here, & more pleased with the 
usual forms of administrating Baptism. She was propounded at the 
communion, & on the next Sunday had the follow 45 certificate, as 
my memory gives it. 

Salem, Oct. 15, 1787. 

This may certify that the church of which we are members do 
approve of our Sister Ruth Porter, & do recommend the adminis- 
tration of Christian Baptism to the children which God may give her. 

Wardens, Benj a Ward junr. 
W ,u Browne. 
William Bentley, Clerk. 

[220] Had news that James Brown of S l Vincent died on Nov 1 
2: 1786, from his Executor Kidd. James Brown lived with us six 
months. 

Oct. 15. Took Linnett into my Study. 

Oct. 17. Dined with M r Gracie of Jamaica at Capt Collins*. 

A public military parade this day of three companies. The In- 
dependents, or Cadets, Mayor Abbot. The Artillery, Major Buff- 
ington. W d 3 of the Militia, Capt Page. 

Oct. 19. After reading Clarke's Nepos, & Justin, Charles began 
Clarke's Suetonius. 

Oct. 23. In consequence of a Note p. 164, Capt Benj a Hodges 
brought from Petersburg, a French, German, Latin, Russ. Diction- 
ary. 4to 3 Vol. in sheets. Charpentiere's Russ. Grammar, 8vo. 
Petersburg, 1768. A Vocabulary, French, Russ, sewed, 8vo. Peters- 
burg, 1786. Gellert's Works, German, 12mo. in sheets. Muller's 
Russian History, German, 12mo. 9 Vol. Petersburg, 1732. Those 
through the Academy. 



1787] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 79 

[221] Oct. 27. Proposed to alter service till half past ten in 
the morning. Rev d Diman, Bernard, & Prince, sick at home this 
day. 

Nov r 4. Jon a Archer jun r & wife, death of another sister & 
friends at sea. Edward Allen & family, death of daughter Sally. 

5. Translated a will of Richard Hodges, & an inventory of his 
chest from the Dutch. 

[222] A list of Medals & Coins sent to M r Winthrop of Cam- 
bridge. Medal from Sweden in honor of the Augsburg Confession. 

A George reigning. 

A Pitt. 
Coin. Russian, 4 Copec. 

Danish, XXIV skill : 
XII. skill : 

George II., penny : eng : 

Charles I., penny. 

Charles' rose. Jus divinum. 

S l Pelegrin. 

five northern Copper Coin, 

& besides a Chinese Lanthorn. 
Nov r 11. Widow Sarah Knight, death of Sister. Sarah Knight, 
death of Sister & husband absent. 

The principal subject of consideration among the people has been 
a Bridge over Beverley ferry. The sentiments of the County of Es- 
sex, excepting only a few towns, or inhabitants of towns, [223] 
who were immediately interested, were well known to be in favor 
of a Bridge, when a petition by George Cabot Esq r & others was 
made to the town of Salem for their concurrence & for their right 
& title in the ferry. The ad-measurement may be seen at the two 
places proposed for a Bridge at page 182. The town divided upon 
the Petition, nearly in parties east & west of the Court house. All 
living above the Court house nearly favoring a Bridge over Orne's 
point. The majority being westerly & northerly in the Town, & 
being joined by the north fields, obtained a committee against Bev- 
erley ferry Bridge, & in favor of Orne's point to be sent to the gen- 
eral court consisting of Major Sprague, a M r N. Ropes, & a Sam 1 
Ward. A committee of five persons in consequence was sent from 
the House & Senate to survey & consider the roads leading to the 
above places, their convenience, the navigation of the River, & the 
general benefit of a Bridge. The Minority in the East, & South 
East part of the Town, gave in their names to the General Court in 
a [224] petition, & consented to a choice in their private capacities, 
of a Committee to represent the Subscribers of the bridge, & the 
minority. Capt Jn° Fiske, & F. Cabot, & Joseph White in the 
town of Salem, joined several Gentlemen in Beverley. The parties 
were warm in their debates upon exchange, which was the strongest 
& most numerous. The Taxes of the Petitioners for the Bridge, 



80 DIARY OF [1787 

who exceeded 200 in number, were 16 out of 59 parts of the public 
taxes. The friends of the Bridge asserted that the interest of the 
town was on their side, when absent persons, & estates in their fa- 
vor were reckoned. 78 persons were absent in the Eastern division. 
To remove all doubt the first majority in numbers called a meeting of 
the Town, & were out voted in a motion immediately to dissolve the 
meeting by 30 majority. However tho' the Committee of Court re- 
ported unanimously in favor of a bridge over Beverley ferry, the 
Senate only passed the Bridge, and the House being very full, not 
concurred by a majority of 20. This induced the Party for the 
bridge as they had dissolved [225] the former meeting, to call another 
hoping to be able to remove the Committee, which had still power 
to express the sense of the town against a Bridge, and as the other 
part of the Town had given up the Bridge over Orne's point the 
Question now was " Bridge or no Bridge." But being unequal to 
the other party in the conduct of large bodies of men, after long 
dispute the meeting adjourned till January, then to receive a true 
statement of the real property, for & against the Bridge. The 
great address of Mr G. Cabot, which was discovered on this occa- 
sion, raised up several Committees from other Towns in the County, 
by which measure he had a rehearing for the Bridge & obtained a 
majority of twenty to confirm the bringing in a Bill. During the 
dispute there was the greatest rancor in the parties. The S. Ward 
was forbid the office, wherein the Gentlemen of the town converse 
in "the evening, & for which they were lampooned. 

[226] A List of Books sent by Jonathan Jackson into my 
Study, June, 1787, to be mine at pleasure [appearing in the orig- 
inal Diary is here omitted]. 

[228] Charles begun Salhust, Nov r 13, 1787. Services pro- 
posed for the ensuing Thanksgiving : 

Intro — I was glad when they said, &c. an anthem. 

A new version of the CLV Psalm by D r Watts to a tune of that 
name. 

A new version of CXLIX for S l Michael's before Sermon. 

After Sermon I will praise the Lord, &c. an anthem. 

Nov r 18. Isaac White for delivery. Read Thanksgiving Procla- 
mation. 

Nov 1- 20. News of M r Freeman's ordination at the Chapel 
Church, Boston. Upon which was written the following note. 

My very dear friend, 

This moment I have received by the Salem 
Gazette the glorious news of your Triumph over an oppressive ene- 
my. It has raised me into a transport. Have you leisure enough 
for a friend to give him a few circumstances. God bless you, you 
hare kept the faith, henceforth, &c. from your affectionate friend. 

W. B. 



1787] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 81 

To Revd. J. F. a christian bishop in Boston, upon [229] the re- 
ception of the Gazette of Nov r 20 th . 

B. Bridge. After the permission to bring in a Bill, the matter 
succeeded very quietly, & the Bill was engrossed. 

A William King related to the family of Hodges, Webb, Stone, 
& Mason by their wives, after having been long absent in the West 
Indies, about four years ago returned, & married a daughter of Dea- 
con Phippen, by whom he had one child, & a prospect of another. 
This W. K. being very capricious, left his family, without any 
warning, wrote a letter of his intentions to abscond, without being 
pressed by debt, or any other visible reason. He was pursued, ap- 
prehended near East Haven, in Connecticut, by the owner of his 
Sulkey & Horse, gave his note for 16 <£ damage, & has returned 
again after a fortnight's absence. 

In October ended the lectures with the young Misses of Capt 8 
White's & Stone's family, from motives of convenience, & because 
of an engagement in their behalf with a dancing School, under some 
very prudent regulations. 

[230] A M r Vernon, son of an English Merchant in Petersburg, 
visited this town under the direction of Cap 1 Hodges. 

Extract from a letter of the Rev d James Freeman mentioning the 
circumstances of his ordination. On Sunday after evening prayer, 
the Church wardens came into the reading desk, & having placed 
me between them, D r Bulfinch, the senior warden, in a very hand- 
some address, informed the congregation of the design of the meet- 
ing. A short prayer introduced the service. The following vote of 
ordination was then read, voted, & signed. 

Boston, Nov r 18, 1787. Voted that we, the Wardens, Vestry, 
Proprietors, & Congregation of the Chapel, or first Episcopal church in 
Boston, do, by virtue of the third article of the declaration of Rights, 
hereby solemnly Elect, Ordain, Constitute & Appoint, the Rev d 
James Freeman, of said Boston, Clerk, to be our Rector, Minister, 
Priest, Pastor, Teaching Elder, & Public Teacher, to preach the word 
of God, & to dispence lessons & instructions in piety, religion, [231] 
& morality, & to minister the holy Sacraments in the Congregation ; 
& to do, perform, & discharge all the other duties & offices, which 
of right belong to any other rector, Minister, Pastor, Teaching 
Elder, Publick Teacher, or Priest in orders. 

And it is hereby intended & understood, that the authority & 
rights hereby given to the Rev d James Freeman, to be our Rector, 
Minister, Priest, Pastor, Teaching Elder, & Publick Teacher, are to 
remain in full force, so long as he shall continue to preach the word 
of God, & dispence lessons of Piety, Religion & Morality, conform- 
ably to our opinions & sentiments, of the Holy Scriptures, & no 
longer ; and that our judgement of his not thus conforming to our 
religious sentiments & opinions shall be ascertained by the votes of 
three fourths of the wardens and Vestry, & of three fourths of the 



82 DIARY OF [1787 

Proprietors usually worshipping in said Church, seperately & indi- 
vidually taken. 

signed 

Tho 8 Bulfinch, 

Shrimpton Hutchinson, Wardens. 

[232] in behalf of ourselves, & the Vestry, & a majority of the 
proprietors, & Congregation of the Chapel, or first Episcopal Church 
in Boston. 

After the vote of ordination, the following vote was passed, and 
it is further voted, that if at any time hereafter ordination by the 
imposition of hands from a Bishop in common, & usual form can 
be procured for M r Freeman, without sacrificing our religious sen- 
timents to those of others, we will adopt that method in confirma- 
tion of the present mode of ordination. 

I then declared my acceptance of the election & ordination, & 
that I believed it to be valid & apostolick. After which the D r 
pronounced me duely ordained, & whilst he exhorted me to do the 
work of a Christian minister with fidelity, he laid one hand upon 
me, and with the other delivered me the Bible. Another prayer & the 
blessing concluded the ceremony. 

There was a protest in the Gazette of the past week, but Mr.Freeman 
in his letter assures me, that only two belonged to his congregation. 

[233] The danger of Loan of Books, for whose sentiments, you 
wish not to be accountable. 

Tindal was lent to Capt. Jo. W. upon the solemn promise of a 
private examination. It was left under a pillow, found by a wom- 
an, lent to an Aunt, read before her husband, & by him reported to 
Col. Carlton, who never was able to obtain the title so distinctly, as 
to ask properly for the book. It was returned & hidden. 

Allen's oracles of reason, given by J. W. Esq r was lent to Col. C. 
under solemn promise of secrecy, but by him lent to a Mr Grafton, 
who was reported to have died a Confirmed Infidel, see p. 216. The 
book was found at his death in his chamber, examined with horror 
by his female relations. By them conveyed to a Mr. Williams, 
whose shop is remarkable for news, & there examined — reported to 
be mine from the initials W. B., viewed as an awful curiosity by 
hundreds, connected with a report that I encouraged infidelity in 
Grafton by my prayers with him in his dying hour, & upon the 
whole a terrible opposition to me fixed in the minds of the devout 
& ignorant multitude. 

Beware of the third time. 

[234] Copy of verses addressed to Miss A. A.* 
Said F. — to a priest one day, 

Priests should to men examples prove : 
Why neglect you then to marry, 
" For happiness 's allied to love." 

"Alice Allen? 




1787] BEV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 83 

The Priest replied, Reason I followed, 
But without fire, Love's but a name: 

Reason is cool, deliberate, wise, 
Tis only passion fans the flame. 

Merit & beauty reason sees : 

Passion admires, to love inclined, 
Passion is warm, & soon pursues 

While reason always lags behind. 

My R. — yielded to his passion 

His choice my reason did approve : 

He gained the prize : Love's undivided, 
My part is to admire the Love. 

Yet my sweet A — grant a friend 
At modest distance, hours to spend, 

To form his choice — until he find 
A maid blessed with so pure a mind. 

This was never copied off, as its numerous defects obliged the 
writer to more time, than he could reasonably spend on the subject. 

[235] Nov r 25. Abijah Hitchins & wife, death of youngest child. 
One of the family sick. Sarah Chever, death of Brother Cheever & 
husband at Sea. Stephen Cloutman, delivery & brother at Sea. 
Elizabeth Marsh,— sick. Thomas Keene & wife — death of Sister. 

A Protest against M r Freeman's ordination. 

Messieurs Adams' & Nourse. 

As the mode of inducting Mr. Freeman into the ministerial office 
on the last Lord's Day, at the Stone Chapel in this town, was cer- 
tainly very singular, if not wholly unprecedented : and lest it 
should appear to the world, that the transaction was unanimously 
pleasing to the proprietors of that church, you are requested to 
publish the following dissent, which was presented to the senior 
warden, & undoubtedly was communicated to the persons con- 
cerned, [236] previous to the time, when they publickly assumed the 
right of Ordination, & determined their proceedings therein to be 
valid. 

Boston, Nov r 16, 1787. 

Whereas certain persons, calling themselves a majority of the 
Proprietors of the Stone Chapel in Boston, have of late declared 
that the pews of a number of the original proprietors are forfeit on 
account of their absence, & have sold said pews to persons, who 
never were of the Episcopal Church, & who hold tenets diametri- 
cally opposite to said Church, & said new proprietors have intro- 
duced a liturgy different from any now used in the Episcopal 
churches in the United States, & articles of faith which in our 
opinion are unscriptural, & heretical, & have thereby deprived many 



84 DIARY OF [1787 

of the proprietors of said house of their property, & of the privi- 
lege of worshiping God therein, according to the dictates of their 
conscience : 

And whereas we are informed by a Committee from said propri- 
etors, that they intend next Lord's day, to take upon them to author- 
ize [237] M r James Freeman, to administer the sacraments of Bap- 
tism & the Lord's Supper in said church, & to receive him as a 
regularly ordained minister, which step in our opinion is unprece- 
dented, irregular, & contrary to apostolic, & primitive usage, & to 
the common sentiments of almost every sect & denomination of 
christians; a step, which may be attended with fatal consequences 
to the interests of religion in general, & that of the Episcopal 
Church in particular. 

We therefore the subscribers, in behalf of ourselves, & other orig- 
inal proprietors of said church, who have empowered us to act for 
them, do hereby enter our most solemn & serious dissent & protest 
against all such proceedings, & particularly against the settlement, 
& pretended ordination of the said James Freeman declaring our 
utter abhorrence of measures so contrary to the doctrine, discipline, 
& worship of an Episcopal church, & which will include in them a 
total alienation of the property of said house from the use intend- 
ed by the original donors, or founders. 

[238] James Ivers for himself & James Trecothick. Gilbert 
Deblois, for himself, Lewis Deblois & Mr. Henry Leddel. James 
Lloyd, for Wm Vassal Esq r . Henry Smith, for Henry Lloyd Esq 1 '. 
James Apthorp. John Haskins. John Box. Grizzell Apthorp. 
Charles Williams. Mathew Nayro. Lydia Box. Dorothy Forbes. 
Theodore Dehon. Amb. Vincent. 

At a meeting of the proprietors of the Chapel or first Episcopal 
Church in Boston on the 16 th November, 1787. 

Voted, that this our protest be delivered to the wardens of said 
Church by Messieurs Gilbert Deblois, J. Ivers, & C. Williams, the 
Committee , & to request that this protest be recorded on the Church 
Books. 

Nov r 29. Thanksgiving. At the thanksgiving the contribution 
was £19. 

Dec r 2. Mary Elkins & family, sudden death of her youngest 
Son.* Elizabeth Marsh, sick & child sick. 

[239] Dec r 5, 1787. At a meeting of the Town of Salem to 
choose members of the Convention to consider the federal Consti- 
tution, 208 voters, the following Gentlemen were chosen, — Richard 
Manning Esq r . Edward Pullen Esq 1 . Mr. Francis Cabot & Mr. Wil- 
liam Gray, jun r . 

Received a Female Canary Bird of M 18 Hodges. Bought a Male 
Goldfinchof CaptH. Elkins for 6/. And had from Capt H. El- 

♦Thomas Elkins, drowned Nov. 17, 1787, while on passage from Madeira. 



1787] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 85 

kins the gift of a Linnet, which has been some time with me. Re- 
ceived also to keep, Mrs Sleuman's canary. 

My male Canary Bird has grey feathers full under the left ear, 
reach 8 full over to the back of the neck, then is grey over the right 
ear, which grey continues down over the right wing & spreads over 
the tip of both wings, otherwise being of a bright yellow except 
white near the feet, & at the end of the tail. His bill is round & 
pointed, full & large. 

[240] The Female Canary is grey upon both ears, & upon the 
breast. The left wing is of a deep grey, the right whig is of a pale 
yellow intermixed with grey, & has a deep grey ring round the 
lower parts of the body. His bill is longer & less pointed than the 
other. M rs Sleuman's Canary has a ring round its neck, better de- 
fined at the ears, than on the back, or the rear. The ends of the 
wings are greyish, & there is a grey feather outermost on the right 
wing. 

A very light & the first snow fell on the 7 tu , it lay only one day. 

Dec r 16. Mary Lufkin, death of Sister. Eliz. Parsons for her de- 
livery & Husband at sea. This week M" Diman was buried. I was 
chosen a bearer, but declined & went among the relations. Holt 
prayed. The bearers were Rev d Messieurs Holt, Hopkins, Treadwell, 
Storer, McKeen, & Spaulding. Snow, a flight of on the 19 th . 

Dec r 19. Presented to the Widow Webb's youngest daughter 
Priscey a copy of the " Children's friend." Another copy to Sally 
Webb, G. Daughter of Capt Allen. 

[241] Dec r 23. James Diman with his children desires your 
prayers that the sudden & surprising death of his wife, & their 
mother, may be sanctified to them for spiritual good. Sarah Well- 
man, death of Sister Fearsen, Husband & friends at Sea. Mary 
Dana, death of Sister & friends at Sea. Richard Valpey, delivery 
of wife & friends at Sea. Nath. Phippen's wife's delivery, himself 
returned. 

Last Friday was entertained by a Mr. Le Croix, a frenchman, 
who has been a Surgeon in Spain, & claims to converse in french, 
dutch, & Spanish. On Thursday evening the 29 th we were enter- 
tained from the pulpit of the First Church by the celebrated Mr M.* 
the Universalist. His introduction to that church we dare not 
recommend, however he was liberal in his new vampt mysticisms, 
out of which he formed a religious system, from total depravity as 
its ch[ ] ; rendered [242] plastic by a suffering God, & happy 

to mankind from an ^discriminating salvation. 

Dec r .30. Nath Richardson, wife delivery. Lydia Townsend, de- 
livery, husband & brothers at Sea. 

The month of January, 1788 came in before the earth was once 
covered with snow. 

*Uev. John Murray. 



86 DIARY OF [1788 

MDCCLXXXVIII 

Appeared a protest of the Clergy of the Protestant Episcopal 
Church against Mr James Freeman, upon the appearance of which 
the following appeared in the Salem Mercury of Jan y 8 th , Mes- 
sieurs Dabney & Cushing. Having seen handbills, distributed in this 
town, containing an excommunication of the Kev d James Freeman 
from the Protestant Episcopal Church, I would inquire what is the 
singular fault of this ingenious young Gentleman? If Luther, under 
the name of a reformation, being but a priest, [243] did ordain a 
Bishop, surely a sober congregation, at a time, confessed to be a 
time of reformations, may instruct their own minister in such alter- 
ations of the Book of Common Prayer, as they approve, & ordaiu 
him to use them. 

The political circumstances of the country have induced a Con- 
vention of Protestant Episcopal Clergymen to propose thirteen ar- 
ticles of amendment, & to act upon them. This Convention has 
reduced the 39 articles to 20. Surely this proceeding shews us that 
there is a prevailing Conviction that the present time is a proper 
time to make all needed amendments in the Common Prayer, and 
the character of all reformation by the Clergy may not be in doubt 
if we believe with an honest Bishop of the same church, who declared, 
in the present age, that he did not recollect any instance in history, 
since the time of the Apostles, where the reformation of religion, 
in any material points, hath [244] been brought about by the influ- 
ence of the Clergy in general : the bulk of them, who are always 
the least knowing, being most tenacious of old opinions. But if we 
are to take our precedents from what hath hitherto passed in the 
reformation of any material points in religion, it must be effected 
by a few leading persons among the clergy, when supported by the 
upper, & more thinking part of the laity. 

Zuingle. 

Copy of the Protest. 

Whereas a certain Congregation in Boston, calling themselves the 
First Episcopal church in said town, have, in an irregular & uncon- 
stitutional manner, introduced a liturgy essentially differing from 
any used in the Episcopal churches in this Commonwealth, & in the 
united states, not to mention the protestant Episcopal Church in 
general ; and have also assumed to themselves a power, unprece- 
dented in said Church, of seperating to [245] the work of the min- 
istry, Mr James Freeman, who has for some time past been their 
Reader, & of themselves have authorized, or pretendedly authorized 
him, to administer the sacraments of Baptism & the Lord's Supper ; 
and at the same time, most inconsistently & absurdly take to them- 
selves the name & style of an Episcopal Church. 



1788] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 87 

We the ministers of the Protestant Episcopal church, whose names 
are under written, do hereby declare the proceedings of said Con- 
gregation usually meeting at the Stone Chapel, in Boston, to be 
irregular, unconstitutional, diametrically opposite to every principal 
adopted in any Episcopal church ; subversive of all order & regular- 
ity, & pregnant with consequences fatal to the interests of religion. 
And we do hereby, & in this public manner, protest against the 
foresaid proceedings, to the end that all those of our Communion, 
wherever [246] dispersed, may be cautioned against receiving said 
Reader or Preacher (Mr James Freeman) as a Clergyman of our 
Church, or holding any Communion with him as such, & may be 
induced to look upon his Congregation in the light, in which it 
ought to be looked upon, by all true Episcopalians. 

Edward Bass, of S l Paul's Church, Newbury Port. 

Nathaniel Fisher, of S l Peter's Church, Salem. 

Samuel Parker, Trinity Church, Boston. 

Thomas Fitch Oliver, S l Michael's Church, Marblehead. 

William Montague, Christ's Church, Boston. 

John C. Ogden, Queen's Chapel, Portsmouth, New Hampshire. 

This was printed at Mr Freeman's request in the Centinel, Boston, 
Jan y 2, 1788, and Mr Wheeler's dissent declared in an anonymous 
piece. Wheeler of Situate. 

[247] Jan y 13. Samuel Carlton & wife, death of her Sister. Re- 
becca Fairfield, delivery, Husband & Son at Sea. Died Deacon 
John Bickford, set. 85. Wife of Major Buffington, set. 30. 

On the 16 instant we had a violent storm of rain, after four days 
of severe cold, & on the 17 th fair spring weather. The ground has 
not yet been covered with snow. 

Murray the Universalist embarked for Great Britian, judgement 
in the Supreme Court being given against him for marrying without 
compliance with the Law in that case provided. 

[248] On Tuesday, Jan y 22, we had the first snow which cov- 
ered the ground or laid 24 hours. Rain fell with it. Botany Bay 
in New South Wales, alias Van Diemen's land, alias New Holland, 
is about Lat. 35. & Long. E. 140. 

Jan y 27. Samuel Presson & parents for him sick. Last even- 
ing a Buck from Newbury finished his life at the Sun by a draught 
of Liquid Laudanum his name Benj a Hooper. The jury of inquest 
gave in their Verdict, Self Murder. 

[249] Feb y 4. Sam 1 Presson, dangerously sick. Nicholas Lane, 
wife's delivery. 

Sunday & Monday very warm, & carried away the Snow, but 
Tuesday extremely cold. At noon as cold as is ever found in this 
country. To compare with [page] 233. Lent to Capt H. — Shaftes- 
bury 1 s Characteristics after mentioning the former facts. The next 
news was that they were in the hands of a celebrated declaimer 



88 DIARY OF [1788 

against everything. So uncertain our confidence, and so op- 
posed our conduct to our experience. 

On Feb y 11, Mr Gallatin mentioned p. 75 visited me. Extract 
from M r Parsons' speech in the Convention respecting religious 
Tests. It has been objected that the C. provides no religious test 
by oath, & we may have in power unprincipled men, atheists & 
pagans. No man can wish more ardently than I do, that all our 
public offices may be filled by men who fear God & hate wickedness ; 
but it must remain with the ELECTORS to give the government 
this security — an oath will not do it. Will an unprincipled [250] 
man be entangled by an oath? Will an atheist or a pagan dread 
the vengeance of the Christian's God, a being, in his opinion the 
creature of fancy & credulity ? It is a solecism in expression. No 
man is so illiberal as to wish the confining places of honor or profit 
to any one sect of Christians. But what security is it to a govern- 
ment, that every public officer shall swear that he is a christian ? 
For what will then be called Christianity ? One man will declare 
that the Xtian religion is only an illumination of natural religion, & 
that he is a christian ; another Christian will assert that all men 
must be happy hereafter in spite of themselves; a third Christian 
reverses the image, & declares that let a man do all he can, he will 
certainly be punished in the another world ; & a fourth will tell us, 
that if a man use any force for the common defence, he violates 
every principle of Christianity. Sir, the only evidence we can have 
of the sincerity & excellency of a man's religion, is a good life — and 
I trust that such evidence will be required of every candidate by 
every elector. That man who acts an honest part to his neighbour, 
will most probably conduct honorably towards the public. 

[251] On Wednesday the 6 th Feb y 1788, the Federal Constitu- 
tion was accepted in the Massachusetts Convention, yeas, 187 ; nays, 
168. 

Friday, Feb y 15, we had the first storm of snow which fell this 
year. 

17 th . Andrew Presson, wife & children, death of son. Mary 
Rantoll, death of Brother. Mary Lambert, d : of Gr. Son. Richard 
Manning jun r & wife, for her delivery. Church very thin this day. 

[256] 'Feb y 24, 1788. Amos Hovey, death of his mother. 

[257] On Monday, Feb y 25, 1788, the Committee with the Cler- 
gy visited the Schools. At Hacker's about 100 present. At Noyes's 
Gram. 15 present. At Norris's about 80 present. At Lang's, about 
130 present. 

March 2, Joseph King & wife, for him sick. We had a very long 
cold, & very severe, and reports from the southern states are, that 
the cold has been such as is unusual among them. 

[258] March 7, 1788. Sai[le]d Capt Hodges for Gotheburg. I 
gave him papers to get a Lexicon Laponicum or Bergeman's Scia- 
graphia & late works. Cronstedt, or Linneus' works, or Dahl's 



1788] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 89 

wealth of Sweden or Celsius' Library of Upsal. A man named 
Kennedy drowned this week in the harbour. 

A Medal, in the hands of M" Bowditch, of the Seven Bishops. 
Grainger mentions many prints of these by the best hands. The 
Medal has the arch bishop on the face, with his name & title, 1G88, 
and on the reverse seven Bishops in the center of whom is the Bp. 
of London. The heads are encircled, & have the name, & title. 

[259] March 16. Lydia Dean, for delivery, Husband & Broth- 
ers at Sea. 

March 11. Sick, Mr Joseph King, Consumption. The news 
arrived that Elkins foundered at sea, & no lives lost. Now abroad. 
Capt Collins, sailed last year, Patterson, Mason, Allen & Chever, 
Welman, Townsend, Thomas, Briggs, Boardman, Crowninshield, &c. 
&c. 

On last Christmas several of the New Light preachers attended 
the worship of the Church of England in Marblehead since which 
time, there have been frequent private meetings in that town. The 
objections of Mr Hubbard to Mr S — being proposed, & resting on 
his Evangelical commissions, & its consequences, both as to the 
powers of Ordination, & Itinerant Preaching, a Course of Letters 
ensued, in which Mr. S.* is said to have renounced [261] all such 
privileges with respect to Marblehead, provided regular exchanges 
could take place on the Sunday. In consequence & to comply with 
the importunity of the people Mr. H. exchanged with Mr. S. of Sa- 
lem on Sunday March 9 th , & Mr Story with Mr Hopkins on the 
Sunday following. Serious attention seems due to the success of 
such a negotiation. 

The proceedings of the Town of Topsfield are singular. Mr 
Breck their minister, a native of Boston, & bred in the occupation 
of a Cooper, went late to his studies, & being destitute either of ad- 
dress or abilities, & actuated by a zeal, which is opposed to the pas- 
sions of men, without any attractive qualities to the reason & un- 
derstanding, has been long in broils. Just exceptions have not been 
taken to his morals legally considered, but the restlessness of the 
people induced them to give him a dismission last January. The 
proceedings however being irregular, they consented to a mutual 
Council now setting, of which the following Gentlemen are members. 

On the part of Mr Breck, Mr Dana & Mr Frisbie of Ipswich, & 
Mr Spring of Newbury Port. [262] On the part of the people, 
Mr Cutler of Ipswich, Mr Parsons of Lynn & Mr McKeen of Bev- 
erley. 

Mr Barnard of Salem chosen mutually. Some time since there 
was a Council upon the same difficulties, after which they subsided, 
but they have been increased, lately by a Mr Cummings, a dismissed 
Clergyman from New Marlborough & a Mr Wilds, a sworn Attorney 
at Law, living in the Town. 

•Spauldiug. 



90 DIARY OF [1788 

This winter Mr Bell of Amesbury in this county was dismissed 
by mutual consent of parties agreably to a common Construction of 
the 3 d article of the Bill of Rights. 

March 28. Joseph King, dangerously sick, & wife's delivery. 
On Easter Sunday, Bishop Seabury visited Marblehead, & confirmed 
an hundred persons. As the following account was printed in the 
Gazette as received from the Marblehead Church Clergyman, it may 
be worthy of remembrance, noting only that out of pity the printers 
inserted the and instead of When in the original. The whole trans- 
actions on the same day. [263] (We hear from M. that on Sunday 
last, being Easter Sunday the R. R. the Bp. of Conn : administered 
Conf : in S l Mich :'s church in that town ; and [when] on the day 
following, upwards of 120 persons received the benefit of this apos- 
tolick rite.) An attempt to make some remarks on the Subject, 
from the timidity of the printers ended in publishing the Bp's 
definition of Confirmation, & D r King's account of the same rite. 
The mention made of this matter to Carlton endangered a quarrel 
with the Printers, & raised a dust, &c. 

March 25, Mr Samuel Ward, took a Mr Brown by a writ of defa- 
mation. The writ was drawn by Mr Pynchon with a description 
of all the offices which the said Ward held, particularly that of 
Collector of Excise, in which he failed, & was allowed by the public 
to pay with State securities (at a great discount in their circulating 
value), the face of the Bills for Specie, of the same name. The 
matter was settled by Brown's paying for the writ, & shaking 
hands, & the usual remarks, &c. 

[264] March 30 th 1788. W. Lydia King, death of Son & Son at 
Sea. Sarah King, d. of Husband, & Brother at Sea. 

Of Capt H. Elkins, a Chinese Razor measuring from Heel to 
Point 2 4-10 inches, and in breadth 1 2-10 inch, from 3-10ths at the 
Heel. It opens only as Knife, the handle being solid on the back. 

31. Attended the pall of Madam Cleveland. She was the relict 
of the Rev d M r Cleveland, who had been ordained a dissenting Min- 
ister in Connecticut, & installed in the Lower Parish in Maiden, 
Mass. Had received a Captain's Commission in the provincial 
forces at the taking of Louisburg, & afterwards preached at Halifax. 
He removed from Nova Scotia, & went to England for orders in the 
English Church, & came out for Pennsylvania, & died very soon 
after his return to his own country. Two of his Sons are settled in 
Salem, & one in Connecticut. His daughters married to Mr Stp. 
Higginson of Boston, Messrs Blythe & Hiller of Salem ; some are 
unmarried. 

The Council at Topsfield mentioned pag. 261, resulted after 
setting two weeks, unanimously. That tho' the charges against M r 
Breck, did [265] prove nothing fully against his moral character, & 
only the frailties incident to the most prudent men, yet as the dis- 
affection was great & inveterate, it was recommended that he should 



1788] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 91 

ask a dismission from his charge, provided that in eight weeks the 
Parish either paid, or gave security to his entire satisfaction for the 
sum of three hundred pounds due upon his settlement & salary, & 
fifty pounds in addition to said dues. 

April 2. The Chinese Copper Coins I received from Capt West, 
which may be the Caxa* are 9 /10 th8 of an inch diameter, with a square 
cut out in the center of 2/10" 18 inch. The single caxa is about 8/10 
diameter, & the square the same as is the other. The rim is raised 
l/10th of an inch wide, & the characters raised as high as the rim, 
within the space between the rim, & open square, filling the sides 
of the square, & going off square to the rim, leaving four void tri- 
angular spaces, which complete the circle. [266] On the reverse 
instead of the square filled on all sides, it is filled on the opposite 
sides & by a character differing from the former, which is of strait 
lines, but this resembling the syriac letters, when seen together, at 
first view. From Capt Elkins I received two Coins much like our 
Cobbs. They are above the weight of an English farthing, thick 
having a character differing from either of the former, & having on 
one side the Arabic figures. 

In shifting the Annual registers into a leather binding, upon the 
blank leaves were found the following minutes, to be here preserved. 
Arrived at Marlborough, March 3, 1780. Left after four Sundays, 
boarded at Mr Howe's back of the Meeting House. April 14, 1780, 
took place at Cambridge. Engaged in Boston to be Usher, or as- 
sistant Master to M r Hunt in the South Grammar School in June, 
1777. Settled at the North, March 26, 1779, as Preceptor to the 
North Grammar School, Boston. [267] Engaged to Preach with D r 
Appleton at Cambridge, on the second Sunday in May 14, 1780, en- 
gagement for four months. Engaged at Little Cambridge for the 
months of Oct: Nov 1 ' & Dec 1 ' ensuing. And from January, 1781, 
engaged to second Sunday in March. 10 Sund. And from second 
Sunday in March, three months. 13 Sundays. From third Sunday 
in June till Sunday before Commencement. 4 Sund. In this inter- 
val preached at Lincoln & Woburn first Parish. 5 Sunday. En- 
gaged again at Little Cambridge from third Sunday in August to 
first Sunday in October. 8 Sundays, & from first Sunday in October 
to the end of the year. 13 Sundays. In the winter vacation of 1782 
I preached at Deerfield in the County of Hampshire, Massachusetts. 
5 Sundays. 

Upon my return in the Spring [268] in Company with Mr Mellen, 
afterwards settled at Barnstable, & Mr Motley, settled afterwards 
at Lynnfield, I preached in turn, & afterwards six months by my- 
self I preached in the first Parish in Beverley which made the 

*Dr Bentley elsewhere spells the word " Ca>xa." The coin evidently was the universal 
" tsien " of the present dynasty (I61G— ), "denominated Kaxa or Kasha hy the early Port- 
uguese, & by the English Kash or cash," Marsden II, 818. On the face are the Chinese 
characters indicating the poetic title of the reigning Emperor and on the reverse the 
two " opposite " characters, which to the diarist resembled " Syriac," are in the more 
angular Manchou character and indicate the mint city where the coin was cast. 



92 - DIARY OF [1788 

principal preaching business for the year 1782, & beginning of 1783. 
On the first Sunday in May 1783, I began my preaching at Salem 
second Parish in which I settled. 

The History of my occasional, & less stated preaching is, I began 
in the Block House in Charlestown, which stood upon the top of 
the Hill, now levelled for the present Meeting House, & herein I 
preached my three first Sundays, some time in the year 1778. I 
preached during the interval between this beginning & my visit to 
Marlborough at which begins my regular account March 3, 1780, 
when I left the Schools in Boston, to attend to the ministry in 
different places. Three months in the first parish in Woburn. 
On[e] Month in the New South, Boston beside several occasional 
services. One month for D r Gordon in Roxbury, while he jour- 
neyed at the Southward, occasionally at the first Parish [269] in 
Roxbury, & labours of Love for all the dissenting Clergy of Boston 
of different Religious denominations, & for the Clergy of the vicinity. 

In my visit to Deerfield in the Winter of 1782, I was very great- 
ly entertained. I went on Horseback from Cambridge and arrived 
the first night at Leicester. I visited the Minister Mr Conclin, a 
fat, easy, & hospitable man, in the evening & lodged at Swan's. In 
the morning I went forward in a Slay to Brookfield & breakfasted 
at Reed's, stopped at the Ironworks in Western at noon, & lodged at 
a Dr How's in Cold Spring, alias Belchertown, on the next night. 
On the next day I proceeded through Amherst, & Sunderland to 
Deerfield. Amherst meeting house had a very elevated situation, 
& the celebrated Mount Tom is in full view. Sunderland had a 
Street, & an old Meeting house in the middle of it, like Pennant's 
Scotch Kirk, with a Pepper box top. The street was of proper 
width on a line with the river. Deerfield is three miles from the 
Connecticut, & the river upon which it lays empties into the Con- 
necticut [270] North of the Street, passing it upon the West. 
The interval land is excellent, & overflowed in the Spring & Fall. 
The Street is one measured mile, running north & South, higher 
towards the South, & insulated in the common floods or freshets. 
The elevation is not gradual, but rather sudden north of the Meet- 
ing house, which stands on the west side, has an handsome appear- 
ance, electric rods, a public clock with pointers, & a good Bell. 
The rods are directed without the wain, from an ignorance of the 
electric principles. The School is on the open square in which the 
church stands & on the side of it is the Burying ground. Back 
stands an elegant House belonging to Mr Williams. There is a 
gate at each end of the Street, & about 60 houses in the Street in 
better style, than in any of the Towns I saw. Several gentlemen 
liberally educated in the County reside here, & of the learned pro- 
fessions, but a distinguished opposition was here made to the amer- 
ican revolution, which required the interposition of the government, 
& the imprisonment of J. Williams, J. Ashley & Lieu : Carlton 



1788] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 93 

Esqrs. The resolution of Government upon their proceedings is 
singular, & shews the evidence of the factions then prevailing. 
[271] On the South of the Street is a Groop of Houses at a miles 
distance called Joppa, and on the South West the greatest district 
of land, called Bloody Brook towards Whately. From this Town 
have been incorporated three towns on the west side of the River. 
Greenfield, which has a street, not so regular, or closely settled as 
Deerfield, but it is longer, & it is the Northern division, upon a 
branch of the Deerfield. Shelburne & Conway lay below it. Con- 
way has increased from 50 to above an 100 families within a few 
years. The meeting house stands at the foot of a great hill, upon 
which some fine farms lay in open view. Here was an agreeable 
Mr Emerson, who received us with great civility. Son of the Rev d 
Emerson of Maiden, & Brother to the Rev d Joseph Emerson of 
Concord, & Mr Emerson of Pepperell, both deceased. 10 miles be- 
low Deerfield is Northampton, which is not only distinguished by 
being the largest Town in the County but the eminence of its min- 
isters. Mr Solomon Stoddard, is known for his great age & piety, 
his controversial pieces, especially that against the Mathers on 
Church Communion, & for his pulpit performances. D r Edwards is 
as well [272] known in Europe for his treatises, particularly that 
celebrated one on the " Will," as in America, & was justly celebrat- 
ed. He was also President of the Yale College. Mr Hooper was 
a good character their successor, who died young. The present Mr 
Williams is a remarkable contrast to these great men. The Town 
is large but without elegance in its streets or public buildings, & 
lays upon the bend of the river, which continually encroaches upon 
the opposite side, which projects into this bow, upon which lays' 
Hadley, whose street reaches from the river at Hatfield, & crossing 
as the string of a Bow the point round which the river directs its 
course, meets the river in its course again at the other end, opposite 
to Northampton. The street of Hadley is too wide, & the Church 
in the middle does not add a good effect. Hatfield less than North- 
hampton, but larger than Deerfield, or Hadley, lays above North- 
hampton, & on the same side of the river. It is irregular but more 
agreeable to the view than Northhampton. It is however to be no- 
ticed that Hatfield has a large spire, painted red up to the wain. 
The towns which lay near the great towns on the river, are however 
very [273] unpromised, such as Whately on the road from Hatfield 
to Deerfield, & Bernardston from Deerfield to Northfield. This last 
town is upon the bounds of the Massachusetts. It has a Street, 
but the houses are placed as upon the sides of a Country Road, & 
the Church stands in the middle. Hinds Dale which lays above is 
on the East side of the River in New Hampshire, & on the West in 
Vermont. The best lands are in the possession of rich, & decent 
farmers. But the common soil is under wretched cultivation, & 
strewed over with wretched Log houses. On the river I was enter- 



94 DIARY OF [1788 

tained from the favor of Judge Jones by a wealthy Mr Straten. 
The Judge's seat was upon the East side of the river a mile below 
Fort Dummer, & looked like a little city. Fort Dummer, so well 
known in the history of New England, is upon the west side of the 
Connecticut, in a Township called Brattleborough, & on the part 
nearest to Hinsdale. The road at 1/2 a mile below the fort is near 
the river, & the land rises on the left. The road then goes off from 
the river so that at the fort it is 80 rods to the road. The triangle 
made by the public road, the road to the fort & the river, is a level 
meadow [274] which the fort commands. On the opposite side of 
the river the land is very high, & has a full command of the fort, 
which gives us a very miserable conception of the engineer. The 
river in this place rims nearly north & south. The south west cor- 
ner of the fort remained, & enabled to form some idea of the fort 
& our information was from Capt Waters, who lived in this fort, & 
whose father had been a commander. The fort was upon the bank 
of the river, about 10 feet elevation, & consisted of logs, being 8 
rods upon the bank, & 6 on the Eastern Line, on the East side a 
mound of earth was raised of 12 feet, & at each Corner, excepting 
the N east were 2 stories framed square, the whole height being N 
West 23 feet, South W 40 feet, South East 16 feet. Upon the pa- 
rade nearer East than West was a Watch Tower, of three stories, 
each 9 feet, upon which was a Centinel's box, & to that a May Pole, 
or flag staff, the top of which was 60 feet from the ground. Be- 
tween the buildings raised in the corners of the fort were hewn 
Logs, 14 feet high, mortised into perpendicular posts, & trunneled 
into each other, under which were the Barracks, & houses. This 
was the account given on the spot by the inhabitant. [275] Upon 
my return from Deerfield, I passed through Pelham, the eastern hill 
being an 1/2 mile of a steep ascent, and the land miserable. Here 
was a fort as well as at Colrain, & it must be a mistake by which 
Pelham fort on the east side of the river, is placed on the west 
(where Colrain fort now is) by the latest Geographers. Greenwich 
is poor & Oakham, & the whole country till you come to Rutland. 
As you ascend the hill upon the top of which is the Meeting House, 
you see the Monadnock Hill & the Wachuset is near you on the 
left, & not of much greater elevation. On the north side of this 
hill, & on your left were the celebrated barracks. Having passed 
Rutland we came & lodged at a public House kept by Major Gen- 
eral Warner in Hardwick. The Meeting House with the neighbour- 
ing buildings seemed the best sight I saw upon this road. On the 
next day we arrived at Malborough, & soon at Cambridge. The 
state of religious opinions did not enable me to form any hopes of 
making myself happy in such a country in a ministerial character. 
[276] April 3. Arrived in the Brig Eliza, Capt Francis Board- 
man from S l Croix. 



1788] 



REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 



95 



The following is a list of the Church, or Christian Communion, 
Members in the East Parish in Salem, taken by the Reverend 
James Diman, Jan y 29, 1778, to which is added Members since re- 
ceived, & the time of admission. 



Margaret Abbot. Young Widow. 

Abigail Andrews. Widow. 

Elizabeth Andrew. Wife of John. 

Elizabeth Brown. Dead. 

Mehitable Babbidge. Maiden, dead. 

Mary Beadle. Widow, dead. 

[277] Susannah Babbidge. Widow. 

Lydia Babbidge. Maiden. 

Hannah Brown. Widow. 

Mary Berry. Wife of John. 

Mary Berry. Widow of Oliver. 

William Browne. 

Martha Babbidge. Wife of Christopher. 

Thomas Barker. Windham. 

W. Susannah Becket, of Wm. 

John Becket. Dead. 

Mary Boardraan. Wife of Francis. 

Elizabeth Becket. Wife of John. 

Hannah Becket. Wid of Benja. 

Malcolm, County of Lincoln. 

[278] Mary Cloutman. Dead. 

Hannah Collins. Widow, Marblehead 

Mary Cloutman. Dead. 

Abigail Curtis. Widow. 

Mary Collins. Widow. 

Eunice Carlton. Wife of Samuel. 

Hannah Crowninshield. Widow. 

Mary Collins. Dead. 

Elizabeth Cann. Fly at. N: Scotia. 

Daniel Curtis. Dead. 

Hannah Cloutman. Widow of Joseph. 

Mary Diman. Dead. 

Elizabeth Derby. Wife of E. H. 

James Diman. jun r . Stratham. 

[278] Richard Derby. jun r . Dead. 

Sarah Elvins. Dead. 

Hepsibah Elson. Widow. 

Elizabeth Elkins. Greenwood. 

Sarah Elkins. Widow of John. 

Sarah Fowle. Maiden. 

Mary Foot. Dead. 

Mary Frye. Widow, dead. 

Susannah Flynt. Widow. 

Lydia Fiske. Dead. 

Anna Foot. Wife of Samuel. 

Elizabeth Fairfield. Wife of John. 

Sarah Gibaut. Wife of Edward. 

Hannah Hodges. Dead. 

Mary Hilliard. Wife of David. 

Elizabeth Herbert. Dead. 

Lydia Hardy. Wife of Edm.Henfield 

[279] Ruth Hardy, of Ropes Benja. 

Edmund Henfield. 

Mary Hutchinson. Wid: of Thomas 

Mary Ives. W: of J. Crowninshield. 



Elizabeth Ives. Widow of Benj a Bev- 
erley. 

Mary Knap. Dead. 

Sarah Knight. Widow of Nath: 

Nathaniel Knight. Dead. 
Sarah Lacey. Widow Safford. 

Benjamin Masury. Dead. 

Mary Mansfield. Dead. 

Edey Mansfield. Dead. 

John Mascoll. Dead. 

Hannah Mansfield. Widow. 

[280] Susannah Mason. Wife of Jon a . 

Elizabeth Meservey. Mattoon. 

Margaret Mansfield. Skeldon. 

Hannah Murray. Wid: of Peter. 

Susannah Mansfield. Clough. 

Hannah Murray. Widow of Jona. 

Mary Nourse. Dead. 

Mary Nourse. Wardilloe. 

Nathaniel Nourse. Derryfield. 

Mary Pickering, Ellis now Widow 
Gardner, Palfrey. 

Ruth Phippen. Maiden, dead. 

Anne Philpot. Widow Gale. 

David Phippen. Deacon, dead. 

[231] Sarah Porter. Widow. 

Mary Presson. Wife of Andrew. 

Samuel Page. Dead. 

Sarah Palfrey. Wife of Hunlock. 

Mehitable Patterson. Wife of W m . 

Ebenezer Phippen. 

Elizabeth Phippen. Wife of Eben: 

Susannah Ropes. Widow. 

Eunice Richardson. Wife of Nath: 

Hannah Revell. Wife of John. 

Rebeccah. A Negro. Turner's, dead. 

Abigail Silsbee. Dead. 

Joanna Silsbee. Widow. 

Margaret Swasey. Widow. 

Mercy Smith. Maiden. 

Sarah Swasey. Dead. 

[282] Elizabeth Stone. Dead. 

Martha Silsbee. Wife of Samuel. 

Mercy Stevens. Welman. 

Eunice Stevens. Widow. 

Thomas Safford. Dead. 

Sarah Silsbee. Wife of Nath : 

Anstis Stone. Wife of Robert. 

Joseph Smith. 

Elizabeth Short. Dead. 
. Elizabeth Safford. Dead. 

Anne Townsend. Dead. 

Mary Very. Dead. 
. Lydia Valpy. Widow. 

Abraham Watson. 



96 DIAKY OF [1788 

Elizabeth Watson. Sarah Whittemore. Dead. 

Rachel Ward. Wife of Ebenezer. John White jun«". 

[283] Mary Williams, of John, dead. Mary Whitf ord. Widow of John. 

Priscilla Webb. Dead. John Watson. 

John Wyatt. Newbury, dead. Abigail Watson. Wife of John. 

Margaret White. Widow. Benjamin Ward. 

Edmond Whittemore. Dead. Martha Young. Widow, dead. 

[284] Since January 29, 1778, the following members have been 
admitted. 

1778. March 8. Mary King. Webb. Hodges. Hannah King, of W m 
March 22. Rebeceah Fairfield. Thorn 8 Deland, Widow. Eunice 

Bray. 
May 24. Elizabeth King. Mason. 
Sept. 13. Lydia Clary. Dead. 
Nov r 22. Peter Chever. Dead. 

1779. Eeb y 7. Mercy Brown, of W m dead. Mary Collins, of John. 
Feb y 14. Thomas Diman. 

1780. March 26. Mary Burchmore, of John. 
December 24. Mary Ropes of W m . 
Dec r 31. Hannah Ingersol, of J no . 

1781. March 11. Eunice Mason. Harraden. Mary Diman. Lois Diman. 
[285] 1782. March 24. Priscilla Gill. Simons. Sarah Hobbes. 

Anstis Phippen. 
April 28. Margaret Phippen. Rebecca Phippin. King. 
Aug. 18. Mary Felt, of John. 

1783. Sept 24. William Bentley. 
April 25. Lydia Watkins, of Sam 1 . 
May 23. Elizabeth Collins. Wid. 

1784. Oct. 30. Hannah Haskell. Widow. 

[286.] April 10. Arrived, Capt Joseph Waters. Arrived in the 
Brig, Dispatch, Capt Johnson Briggs, Capt Joseph White, Sam 1 In- 
gersoll commander. 

A repetition of the List beginning at page 276. Such only are 
included as live within the Parish Limits, or attend Public worship. 

Abigail Andrews, Widow at the Hannah Brown, Widow. 

Corner. Bed Ridden. [287] Mary, Wife of John Berry, 
Elizabeth, wife of John Andrew, Mariner, living in Daniel's 

Jeweller, living in the G. Lane. 

Street. Mary, Widow of Oliver Berry. 

Susannah Babbidge, Widow, William, Browne, Warden. 

School-dame, living in the G. Susannah, Widow of W m Becket. 

Street. Elizabeth, Wife of John Becket, 
Lydia Babbidge, Maiden, living Ship Carpenter. 

with the above Susannah. Mary, Wife of Francis Board- 
Martha, Wife of Christopher man, Mariner, on the Common. 

Babbidge, Mariner, living in Abigail Curtis, Widow. 

the G. Street. Mary, Widow of James Collins. 



1788] 



REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 



97 



Mary, Wife of John Collins, 
Mariner, Turner's Lane. 

Elizabeth Collins, Widow. 

Eunice, Wife of Samuel Carleton, 
Mariner, Long Wharf Lane. 

Hannah Crownin shield, Widow. 

Mary [ ] Ives. 

[288] Hannah Cloutrnan, Wid- 
ow of Joseph. 

Thomas Diman. 

Elizabeth, Wife of E. H. Derby. 

Sarah, Widow of John Elkins. 

Anna, Wife of Samuel Foot. 

Elizabeth, Wife of John Fairfield. 

Rebecca, Wife of W ra Fairfield. 

Mary Gardner, Widow. 

Sarah, Wife of Edw : Gibaut. 

Priscilla, Wife of John Gill. 

Mary, Wife of David Hilliard. 

Mary, Widow of Thomas Hutch- 
inson. 

Hannah, Wife of Benj a Hodges. 

Mary, Widow of J. Crownin- 
shield, formerly Ives. 

Sarah, Widow of Nath. Knight. 

Rebecca, Wife of W m King. 

Hannah Mansfield, Widow. 
School dame. 

Susannah, wife of Jona Mason. 

Elizabeth, wife of Jona Mason 
2d. 

[289] Hannah, Widow of Peter 
Murray. 



Hannah, Widow of Jon a Murray. 

Anne Philpot, now Gale, Widow. 

Mary, Wife of Andrew Presson. 

Mehitable, Wife of W m Patter- 
son. 

Ebenezer Phippen. 

Elizabeth, Wife of Ebenezer. 

Anstis Phippen. 

Margaret Phippen. 

Eunice, Wife of Nath: Richard- 
son. 

Hannah, Wife of John Revelle. 

Mary, Wife of W m Popes. 

Joanna Silsbee, widow. 

Margaret Swasey, widow. 

Mercy Smith, Maiden. 

Martha, Wife of Sam 1 Silsbee. 

Eunice Stevens, Widow. 

Sarah, Wife of Nath. Silsbee. 

Anstis, Wife of Robert Stone. 

Lydia Valpy, Widow. 

[290] Abraham Watson. 

John Watson. 

Elizabeth, Wife of Abraham 
Watson. 

Abigail, Wife of John Watson. 

Rachel, Wife of Ebenz: Ward. 

Margaret White. Widow. 

John White. 

Mercy Welman, Widow. 

Mary Whitford, Widow. 

Benj a Ward, Warden. 

Margaret Young, Widow. 



April 12. To Miss Hannah Webb. Tho' I blame your severe 
modesty, which prevents your being known & distinguished, — & like 
a flower unseen makes you waste your sweetness still — with a Copy 
of Farquhar. 

April 14. At the Fast, the Contribution exceeded 12£, an increase 
of three pounds upon any former contribution. [291] Two Light 
houses on North end of Plumb Island, at the mouth of the Merri- 
mack. To go over Newbury Bar, observing the tide keep the two 
lights in one, till within two lengths of the shore, then coursing by 
the beach, there is a safe anchoring near the western Lighthouse 
in 3 fathoms. A vessel near the Rocks of Cape Ann, called, the 
Salvages, steering N. W. five leagues will come up with the Bar in 



98 



DIARY OF 



[1788 



f 10 fathoms. There is good anchorage in 12 fathoms 1/2 a league 

I short of the Bar. 

The Lighthouses East and west of each other are constructed to 

i move as the Bar shifts. Upon Plumb Island, three miles asunder 

' are three small houses for the shipwrecked mariners, near the beach, 
with high poles. Strangers are advised to tarry on board their 
vessels. N. B. There are seven feet of water upon the shoal part 
of the bar at low water, & at half tide better than eleven. 

A list of the persons who received the charities of the last 
Thanksgiving & East, the Widow Hannah Murray, being added 
upon the list. 



[292] Sus : Beadle. 
My Burrass. 
Sus : Becket. 
Mary Burke. 
Wid. Beadle. 
Ab. Curtis. 
Wid. Cox. 
Wid. H. Cloutman. 
Wid. Cloutman. 
Marg. Clarke. 
Eliz. Collins. 



Wid. Foot. 
Wid. Hodgdon. 
Wid. King. 
Wid. Lander. 
Ab. Laskin. 
Han. Mansfield. 
Wid. Masury. 
Mary Masury. 
Wid. Murray. 
Abig : Masury. 
Eliz : Marsh. 



Wid. Renew. 
Mary Swasey. 
Wid. Sarle. 
Wid. Silver. 
Ab. Tozzer. 
Mary Valpy. 
Mary Whitefoot. 
Wid. Webb. 
Mary Young. 
Youlin. 



April 20. La mort de serin des Canaries de Madame Hannah 
Hodges. Sailed, Capt Joseph Waters. 

21. Tradidi. M. H. Hodges Carduelem mas : at se conjungeret 
cum passere canaria, nunc vidua. 

[293] April 22. Omni materia comportata, hodie opus faciundi 
pontis paratum est et ex hoc tempore pons institui captus est, in 
flumen Septentrionale, errans intu Salem et Beverley. 

I have adopted many opinions abhorrent of my early prejudices, 
& am still ready to receive truth upon proper evidence from what- 
ever quarter it may come. I think more honor done to God in re- 
jecting Xtianity itself in obedience to my convictions, than in any 
ferver, which is pretended, towards it, & I hope that, no poverty 
which I can dread, or hope I can entertain, will weaken my resolu- 
tions to act upon my convictions. The only evidence I wish to have 
of my integrity is a good life, & as to faith, his can't be wrong 
whose life is in the right. [294] You are acquainted with my 
avowed disbelief of the Trinity, or of any being, who governs, or 
influences human affairs but God the Father. I have been suffi- 
ciently explicit on the Subject. As to the M. C. it has but an in- 
direct connection with the Controversy, & can be introduced only 
by an examination of the Inspiration of the Scriptures, so that the 
open discussion must be preceeded by some very critical enquiries. 
My first apprehensions are removed in consequence of an attempt 



1788] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 99 

to hold this pass, by asserting the plenary inspiration. But from 
the want of Generalship, the desersions are so frequent that I hope 
soon to go through without interruptions, &c. &c. yours. 

April 25. Cardueli reddito, misi passeres Canarias. 

April 25. Ovum paucit Passer Canaria apud J° Fiske armigerum. 

April 27. In the Pamphlet containing Bp. Seabury Charity Ser- 
mon at Trinity Church is an account of their Fund, which in 1783, 
exclusive of the interest, [295] amounted to £1383.7. the members 
then voted to make it £1700, & new members to pay entrance 30/. 
Being incorporated Feb y 1784, yearly Subscriptions £75, annual 
interest £130. Members annually, at least 4 dollars. Number of 
Members, 788. fifty. 

April 27. Fortune Rolfe, wife's delivery. John Berry & Wife, 
her sick of a fever. 

Extract from a Letter to Winthrop. Upon Lexicons. The price 
of a work of this kind, depends upon its author, age, & edition. 
We might suppose the more modern the better, but the plans of ren- 
dering such works more simple, have not been favorable to Oriental 
Literature. The History of such works especially the modern part 
I am not fully acquainted with, but from what I have seen, both 
antient & modern, I am prejudiced against Pentaglott's, Heptaglots, 
& Polyglots. Schindler expresses the whole Pentaglot in the Chal- 
dee characters, a strange presumption when all the Alphabets have 
not the same number of letters, & deserves in the execution much 
about the same respect as your publishers of Circles of sciences in 
which everything is promised & nothing distinctly known. [296] 
The great success of Grsevius, Grenovius, in Latin, Stevens, & Port- 
ryal in Greek, Buxtorf in Hebrew, Pocock Arabic, & Kennicott in 
the late Collations confirms the opinion that concentred force is the 
greatest & discourages me from looking into Authors who treat of 
everything. 

For the Cabinet. Chinese Coins. Csexas. Two Indian & Chinese 
Razors. 

Vermont Paper Money. Five Shillings. The Possessor of this Bill 
shall be paid by the Treasurer of the State of Vermont Five Shillings 
in silver, at six shillings & eight pence per Ounce by the first day 
of June, A. D. 1782. By order of Assembly, Windsor, February, 
1781, signed by two face Scales joined at bottom with the thirteen 
links, within towards the balance, light. Under towards the links, 
a single, disconnected Ring. Motto, A r ermont calls for Justice. 
On the face of others the Scales are alike suspended, the rings form 
a circle passing over the Scales, in the upper [297] part towards 
the balance. In the circle the disconnected Ring, motto the same. 
On the Reverse, The Sum Coarse Chequer Death to Counterfeit, 
WESTMINSTER. Printed by Spooner & Green, 1781. In half 
crowns, shillings & Pounds. 1/2 Crowns & Five Shillings, on the 
reverse a flowered edge. 

LOfC. 



100 



DIARY OF 



[1788 



Mr Hazlitt upon his arrival in England settled in Wem in Shrop- 
shire, & received from a Mr Tayleur an acknowledgement of thirty 
pounds sterling, for his sermon printed at Falmouth, mentioned p. 98. 

May 2. Arrived, Schr. Industry, Capt M c Gregore, from N. Caro- 
lina. 

May 3. Mr Cox who built the Bridge over the Mystic, informed 
me, that the length of that Bridge within the abutments was 2000 
feet, the piers 100 at 20 feet distance and the depth of water at low 
water greatest from 9 to 12 feet. [299] Mr Cabot from actual 
measure represents the distance over Beverley Ferry as the Bridge 
is to run at 1530 feet. The piers are to be 16 1/2 feet apart, & the 
first pier was sunk in a mudsill on Saturday, May 3, 1788. 

Received from Pintard of Madeira a Barrel of Lemons. Their 
distribution was as follows. 



Bev 4 Diman, 2 dozen. 
S. Archer, 1/2 dozen. 
M rs Elkins, dozen. 
M" H. Elkins, dozen. 
M r9 Sleuman, dozen. 
N. Silsbee, dozen. 
M™ Ward, dozen & 1/2. 
Treas. Brown, 2 dozen. 
M r9 Gibaut, 2 dozen. 
M rs Webb, 1/2 dozen. 
M 1 ' 9 Mason, dozen & 1/2. 
M r9 Allen, dozen & 1/2. 
M rs Hodges, dozen &1/2. 
M r9 Lambert, dozen & 1/2. 



Jno. White, 2 dozen. 
M ra Collins, dozen & 1/2. 
Mess : Mason jun r , dozen. 

English, dozen. 

Vincent, 2 dozen. 

Gaines, dozen. 

Gardiner, dozen. 

Jon a Archer, 1/2 dozen. 
M r9 West, dozen. 
M r9 Jos. White, dozen. 
The Bridge, 2 dozen. 
32 dozen & 1/2. 
1/2 left. 



[301] May 17. A Mr Brock, set. 23, fell from a mast, & died 
instantly. 

May 18. John Hill, wife's delivery. 

May 19. Attended a meeting of Ward N° 1, for the election of 
military Officers, & was of a Committee to wait upon John Derby, 
Captain elect. 

May 20. A Building for a Tan House was raised by Mr Chever on 
the road leading to the Bridge, May 22. 

[302] May 25. Notes. Hannah Webb, delivery, Husband at 
Sea. Seeth Ropes, delivery, Husb. at Sea. 

May 28. Went to Boston, & tarried at the General Election & 
Convention. Two very singular events engaged the public attention. 
The first was the faulty proceeding of Mr Everett which was at- 
tended with the delivery of his wife in 6 months after marriage. 
The second was, an open charge of forgery upon the P. of Math, in 
Cambridge. The overseers appointed a Court of enquiry, which 
was a Committee of 9 persons, whose meeting was on the 27 instant. 



1788] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 101 

[303] June 1. Notes for Wife of Manual Choshull, dangerously- 
sick. Jon a Archer junr & wife, death of Sister Moses, the third in 
a short time, & for friends at Sea. 

June 6. Wrote to Winthrop respecting the Election of a New- 
Professor, a description of Coins, & requesting of a Commission for 
T. W. 

[304] June 15. John Andrew, Wife's delivery. Continued a 
fire in the Chamber without interruption on Sunday evenings, till 
this evening. The air was very cold this evening. An order has 
arrived for four additional companies in the Militia. 

[305] On Friday, 20 th a young child of M r Dean's* being left to 
play with the children in a necessary, being a few minutes alone, 
fell into the vault & perished. On Saturday, a young son of Capt 
Allen fell from the mast of a Vessel & broke his thigh. 

22. Notes. Benj a Brown, wife's delivery, Brother at Sea. 
Thomas Rowell, wife's delivery. 

On Monday, 23, we had news that the Federal Constitution was 
accepted in New Hampshire by a majority. Yeas, 57. Nays, 46. 
Majority, 11. The Bells rang in Town, & there was Procession at 
Noon, of which the children of the Schools made the principal part. 
In arranging the Toasts it was proposed to add [306] Trade, between 
Agriculture, Commerce & Fishery. But the connection was overruled 
by a celebrated Protestant so that the most useful & numerous order 
of citizens was forgotten in the ceremonies of the day. As soon as 
the procession reached the Common, there was an heavy shower of 
rain, which prevented any use of the tables on the Common. The 
provision was carried into the Court street, & wantonly wasted. 
The officers broke their tables at the Sun, & caroused for the night 
at each others' houses. 

June 21. Andrews' Tann Yard at the Common bought by Chever 
& Gardner, & carried north the whole width, & a new part put in 
upon the junction of the north west, & south east parts. Pasca 
Foots' building, on the street leading to the Neckgate, between 
[307] Turner's & Becket Lane, moved round & repaired. Webb's 
House on the Common had an addition of a Shop on the front north 
side.f Capt Mason built a Shop on the common East of his own 
dwelling House. $ 

June 29. Notes. Hannah§ Dean & children, death of child, 
Husband & Son at Sea. Widow Mary Collins, death of G. child, 
Son & friends at Sea. The East end of the Cottage purchased by 
Jn° Archer. Harbort's House || in Derby Lane purchased by Capt 
Patterson. 

•Benjamin Dean. 

tAt one time occupied by Samuel Webb, silversmith. 

JThis house was afterwards removed to the corner of Federal Street Court. The 
Salem Club house is located on the original site. 
§Should be Susannah. 
llCapt. Benjamin Herbert? 



102 DIARY OF [1788 

July 1. died Female Goldfinch. 

July 6. Widow Eliza : Murray, death of Husband, & Sons at 
Sea. Widow Mary Becket & children, death of her Br. Murray. 
Barnabas Herrick & wife, death of her Br. Murray. [308] Thom- 
as Keene & wife, delivery & Son at Sea. Nath : Batchelor & wife, 
delivery, Brother at Sea. Read the Brief in favor of the Society 
for propogating the Gospel. 

July 13. Notes. B. Dean & Son, death sudden of youngest 
child, and return from Sea. Emme Kimball, Murder of B. N. C. 
Webb, by Pirates, May 20. Pirates executed at Charlestown. 
Capt Patterson bought Harbort's House in Derby's lane, back of 
Millett's. Sailed in Ship from Boston, July 12, Capt Patterson for 
West Indies. The Brief in favor of the Society for prop. Gospel 
obtained a Contribution amounting to 13 dollars. 

[309] July 14. A young man, Green, belonging to Boston, fell 
from the piers, & bruised himself. He was Son to M r Green, an 
apprentice of my G. Father, & therefore entitled to particular at- 
tention from me. I carried to him D r Paine, who generously offered 
the services, gratis. 

July 20. John Andrew & wife, death of youngest child. Oliver 
Webb, death of Brother N. C. Webb & Brother at sea. Last Sat- 
urday Mr Cox was dismissed from the Bridge by the Directors up- 
on an open affront between them. The conduct of that work is 
now changed into quite different hands. [310] Sailed Sch : In- 
dustry, July 19 th , Capt E. Allen, for Europe. Arrived July 14, 
Capt J. Collins from Jamaica, in a Nova Scotia Bottom. 

Reasons for dismissing Mr Cox from the Bridge at Beverley. 

1. That Mr Cox did not consider the first proposals of the Di- 
rectors, as a positive agreement, but immediately insisted on other 
terms, to which the directors consented, & on which they acted for 
three months. 

2. That Mr Cox did not approve of the needless interference of 
the Directors, & their subordinate agent, with the workmen. 

3. That he disapproved of the capricious changing of the work- 
men. 

4. That he wrote a letter to the Salem Directors, because he 
thought them ignorant of the Transactions. 

5. Because under the resentment of the directors, he told the 
authority upon which he had proceeded, & [311] offered to acknowl- 
edge any errors of which he might be convicted, & lastly, because 
he must have been addicted to different conduct in an afternoon 
from a forenoon, because he affronted Mr. G. C* in an afternoon & 
this admits a question whether he be a sober man all day. 

July 21. Letter to Cox. It is not with grief only, but with in- 
dignation, I learn the treatment you have received. I can bear 

*George Cabot. 



1788] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 103 

witness to a conduct manly & faithful, so far as I have known you, 
& I pray God to give you resolution not to forfeit the good charac- 
ter, I think you deserve. I regret that any of my friends are blind- 
ed to your merit by party. Accompanied with the gift of Pike's 
arithmetic, which had been borrowed. The directors have already 
sent to examine the other Bridges, but have been mortified by their 
insuccess. 

[312] July 24. Letter to & from M r Herrick* respecting de- 
gree at Cambridge, &c. 

Aug. 10. John Collins & wife, death of his mother. Copper 
Coin nearly the size of a dollar with the arms of Portugal, elegant 
inscription. Maria. 1. et. Petrus III. Dei. gratia, and on the reverse 
a wreath inclosing 17x77, and round an inscription. Portugalia. et. 
Algarbiorum. Reges. [313] Copper of the size of English half pence, 
with the face & shield of a pistareen. Ins. Philip : V. D. G. Hisp : 
Rex. and on the reverse a lion crowned, globe & Sceptre. Ins : 
Utrumq : Virt : Protego : 1742. Coppers stamped XII. on one part, 
& opposite on the same side 16 effaced, on the reverse VIII. 63. and 
other confused marks. On Sunday, Aug. 3, B. Barnard sent for an 
exchange, in order that in his absence the Committee might detain 
the Congregation in order to notify them of the great delinquency 
of the Society in their payments. Great agitations were occasioned, 
without any very serious consequences. 

August 12. The Association met at MacKeen's, Beverley. 

August 13. Our Militia, Train Band, mustered 300 men, & dis- 
tinguished themselves by a uniformly good behavior. [314] Au- 
gust 12. Died D r Putnam, f 71. A good friend to public worship 
& the Clergy. 

Aug. 15. Received from M r H. Greigs, Merchant at Gottenburg, 
a Swedish Dictionary, as a present by my friend Hodges. 

August 17 th . Notes. Jn° Collins & wife, death of his brother. 
Lydia Murray, d : of her mother. 

August 21. Arrived Capt T. Brown (Chever's), Sloop Exchange, fr. 
S l Eustatia, in whom Capt Josiah Orne came Passenger having sold 
his Vessel. 

August 19. A M r Patterson & a friend came from Cape Ann, at 
which they touched, to see Capt Allen's family. 

[315] August 1. The first ordination by Bp. Provost of New 
York was on Sunday, July 15, 1787. 

Aug. 26. On Wednesday, I set out with Charles for Newbury. 
On Thursday I went down to Newbury Bar, & the Lights accom- 
panied by M r Jackson, Capt Noyes, & M r Mycall. Friday I returned. 
[316] The New Lights Tunes run very high. Two Sermons were 
delivered upon the first afternoon after my arrival. On Aug. 20, 

•Probably Jacob Herrick, a classmate. 

tDr. Ebenezer Putnam. Lived at the corner of what is now Washington and Church 
streets. 



104 DIARY OF [1788 

M r Story of Marblehead, attended one of the New Light meetings 
contrary to an express agreement with Mr Hubbard, & without his 
knowledge. M r H's resentment was strong, & his church interested 
themselves in the affair. In consequence they made application to 
the Clergy of Salem. But the general disapprobation shewn to M r 
S's conduct on the next Sunday by the absence of M r S's principal 
parishioners, occasioned his most humble concessions, & a full 
acknowledgement of his error. See Honb le Hooper's Letter occa- 
sioned by a personal conference on the subject. Such are the exer- 
tions of a certain class of Preachers, called Hopkintonians that 
weekly, & almost daily, lectures are established in many towns of 
Essex, and we are told that M r Tappan of Newbury has been carried 
away by their dissimulation. 

[317] Sept. 7. Note. Lydia Dean, death of child, Husb : & 
Brethren at Sea. 

Sept. 9. Association met at Marblehead at Mr Story's. 

Sept. 7. Arrived at Boston, Jon a Mason. 

Sept. 9. Died M rs Cabot*, wife of Francis. 

Sept. 12. Saw with Mr Pulling a Wax Impression of the Seal 
for Essex Bridge, of which I promised a copy to Mr. Mason. The 
last pier of Essex Bridge was raised on Sept. 6. 

[318] September 23. Capt. W m Fairfield, Felicity, Sch. sailed, 
according to the Clearance, for Cape de Verd Islands. It is sup- 
posed from the Cargo, this latter carried, & the character of the 
owner, that this Vessel is intended for the slave trade. The owner 
confesses he has no reluctance in selling any part of the human 
race. The event in its probable consequences gives great pain to 
thinking men, and in consideration of the owner's easy circum- 
stances, is supposed to betray signs of the greatest moral depravity. 
It is daring presumption to dictate to divine wisdom, but when 
God's judgements are abroad in the earth, sinners will tremble. 
The positive law of this Commonwealth is against the Slave Trade, 
which it is to be hoped, will be seriously noticed. 

[319] The account of Essex Bridge in the Gazette of Salem, is 
as follows. From Abutment to Abutment is 1484 feet long. 
Breadth, 32. Piers, 93. The Draw is 30 feet wide. The Wharves 
on each side, at the draw are 60 feet long. And it is to have 12 
lamps. On the 24 th the Bridge was passed free of toll, & its 
Erection celebrated in the following manner. Public Notice was 
given of the day. The Proprietors dined together in Beverley, with 
whom dined the L. Governor Lincoln, & Hon: John* Jackson. The 
Workmen were entertained in the Rope walk, facing the bridge. 
The Bridge was decorated with the Colors of all nations, & the pop- 
ulace amused by walking over the Bridge, & in the Lanes adjoining. 
The Concourse was great, & the several Parties forgot their resent- 

•Mrs. Nancy, daughter of John and Sarah (Pickering) Clarke, ae. 27y. 




SEAL OF THE SECOND CORPS OF CADETS, SALEM. 
In use before I 860. 




SEAL OF THE PROPRIETORS OF ESSEX BRIDGE. 



1788] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 105 

meiit on the occasion. Vessels passed the draw, one against the 
tide without difficulty. [320] The Bridge is named the Essex 
Bridge and the Proprietors being incorporated have a Seal on the 
Top in a label Essex Bridge. Inscription round the Seal is Cereri 
concedit Neptunus. The Bridge is represented in the center, Nep- 
tune with his trident in the water, Ceres with a cornucopia on the 
Bridge. The perspective is not very good, & the Ceres very indis- 
tinct. Neptune contended with Minerva for Athens, Ceres inter- 
feres here against history & allegory to build Bridges out of Corn- 
stalks. 

Continued from page 216.* As Mr. G. was of professed deistical 
opinions, which became odious in him from his prophane manners, 
this event occasioned great speculation, and although the matter 
was not opened to us as was intended, yet after this length of time 
it has appeared. The deceased made a will in favor of his Cousin, 
by which he committed his children to him, & by the settlement 
[321] the interest was found in the Cousin's hands, the deceased 
having no property of any valuable amount. In the course of life 
he had discovered a preference to a M rs P — alias E — alias G — 
This preference was public, & in contempt of his lawful wife. To 
her, after marriage to the Cousin, the children were to be committed, 
& taken wholly from the natural parent. The boasted virtues of 
the parties drew the public attention. The wife of the deceased 
was soon dismissed, after a little redress, for her injuries from the 
Judge of Probate. The children turned upon her when without 
food or clothing. In the settlement of the Estate with the Aunts, 
an account of 1300 LM.| was turned against him into a considera- 
ble debt, & all the goods attached by a brother for money borrowed 
at the wedding. The brother's necessities drove him to the Law, 
& the mother's distresses drove her to the overseers of the Town 
Poor for relief. So stands the affair in September, 1788. 

[322] The weather very changeable this month. We have felt 
the extremes of heat & cold of a European climate. 

Sept. 28, was the first Sunday after the close of the fifth year of 
my ministry. In consequence I thought of a subject proper to 
follow the sermons, which had been commonly preached at such 
times. And as the abuse of the order was a common objection, it 
was admitted as a proper subject on this occasion. The Law 
against Slavery, the outward bound passage of a vessel for Guinea, 
as mentioned p. 318, led me to think of the general conversation on 
the Slave Trade, & as the Clergy were mentioned as having pro- 
cured the Law against it, to think what had been said against them. 
It so happened that the owner of the Guinea Vessel uttered in the 
preceeding week many hard things upon the subject of the Clergy, 

'Original pagination. 
tProbably " lawful money." 



106 DIARY OF [1788 

&c. The sermon also touched at the objection, some men have 
against [323] any liberty granted to ministers to enter minutely 
into the circumstances of men, &c, upon which a Parishioner had 
declared himself. This Parishioner instigated the owner to a resent- 
ment of the sermon as a personal affair, & after having expressed the 
most ungoverned resentment, the owner came to my house in the 
evening, & demanded satisfaction, whether it was a personal affair, 
& without waiting for an answer, threatened his resentment, should 
he dislike the answer. The matter subsided after a little conver- 
sation but not before it had by common fame, been generally 
known. The wife offered to absent from the public worship of the 
afternoon, but it was agreed to suspend such resentment, till there 
was an opportunity to enquire concerning the personal intention. 
The most painful part of the affair was the threatening. There 
were present Captains Gibaut, Ward, B. Hodges, Mr. Brown & 
Charles. It is my wish that this most profitable, & friendly event 
may do its office. 

[324] On Wednesday, October 1, I had an opportunity for 
preaching the Sermon No. 392, at the Lecture in the old Church. 
The approbation of a few reputable gentlemen was expressed at 
the Office in the presence of said owner, when he renewedly 
expressed his satisfaction, &c. 

On Friday, Oct. 3 d we had a review of the Salem Regiment by 
Gen : Titcombe. The whole was performed agreably. The Inde- 
pendants on the right. The Artillery next, & the Regiment. The 
Ipswich Horse was present. An elegant dinner was provided in 
the Court House, & Gl: Titcombe, Jackson, & Brookes gave their 
company. The Col : lost his horse by an accident, but nothing else 
tended to lessen the general joy of the occasion. Was a Ball in the 
evening. 

[325] Oct. 5. Peggy Skelden,* widow, death of her only son. 

[326] On the evening of the 8 th instant at 11 th o'clock, departed 
this life, the Rev d James Diman in the 81 st year of his age. He 
belonged to the Plimouth Colony and was born Nov r 29, 1707. He 
was educated at Cambridge, & graduated in the year 1730. In the 
year 1737 he was ordained at Salem. In the character of a minis- 
ter he continued till death, above 51 years. The funeral was ap- 
pointed on the Monday following his death. There was a public 
religious service, attended by the whole association, the neighbour- 
ing ministers, & the inhabitants of the town in general. Mr. 
Swain of Wenham preached & Mr Forbes of Cape Ann made the 
[327] introductory prayer. The senior members of the association 
supported the pall, & the other clergy followed after the relations. 
The Parish by the Contribution of Individuals are to defray the 
funeral charges. The Expences were as follows, 

♦Sheldon? 



1788] 



REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 



107 



For Mahogony Coffin to Mr. Ward, 
For Coffin Furniture to Mr. Blythe, 
For Gloves for Clergy 1G pair at 3/, 
For Tolling Bells at 3/, 

Porters' Attendance, 

Opening & sealing the Tomb, 

Hiring Pall, 

Attendance at Tomb, 

Amount, 

The Subscriptions were as follows, 

Capt. John Fiske, 

Richard Manning Esq 

Capt John Hodges, 

Abraham Watson, 

Capt Benj a Hodges, 

[328] Capt Francis Boardman, 

Capt Nathaniel West, 

Capt John Collins, 

Capt Sam 1 Ingersoll, 



£ 



4, 

1, 
2 

0, 
1, 
1, 

o, 
o, 



16, 
0, 
8, 

12, 
4, 
1, 
3, 
4, 



£ 11, 



8, 4. 



six dollars, 
five dollars, 
two dollars, 
two dollars, 
four dollars, 
four dollars, 
two Crowns, 
one dollar, 
two dollars. 



This month was raised, &c, the building for a store* eastward of 
Capt John Hodges, by his Son Benjamin who has purchased the 
Homestead. 

Oct. 19. James Diman, Brother, & Sisters, death of their Father. 
Sam 1 Ropes, wife's delivery. 

[329] October 26. I exchanged with Mr. Freeman, & preached 
at the King's Chapel. The first instance of this mutual service 
between Churches with & without Liturgies. 

On the 28 th , the Association met at Cape Ann, & tarried over- 
night, & were very agreeably entertained by a Band of music, & by 
the vocal music accompanied with female voices. 

Oct. 29. This day arrived Derby's Ship Astrea, which had been 
on a voiage to the North of Europe, & upon a leak, had put in at 
Newfoundland. 

News from East Indies, Isle of France, of the arrival of E. H. 
Derby in the Ship Turk, &c. &c. Mr. Gibaut in the Ship. 

[330] Nov r 1788. Reasons against admitting a certain Uni- 
versalist f into the public desk. That he is a stranger, without 
credentials or Testimonials of any sort. That he has been educated 
in a quite different profession, from that of a public teacher. 

That he is a vagrant, having no regular abode in any place, any 
ordination, or appointment to any charge whatever. That he has 
inveighed bitterly against the whole order of ministers, & had not 

•On Essex street, corner of Orange street. 
tRev. John Murray? 



108 DIARY OF [1788 

properly confuted their opinions. That he has laid himself open 
to just censures from a denial of his own crude assertions. That 
he is incapable of judging of points in question by the deficiency of 
his education. That he, by being admitted, opens a way for every 
pretender however deficient his education, or his understanding. 
[331] These objections cannot lay open to the charge of illiberali- 
ty, since Universalists have had free admission to the desk, par- 
ticularly the gentleman of Boston. 

At the meeting of the Association on the day of the funeral of 
Eev d Diman, the ministers of Marblehead, Oct. 13 th desired advice 
respecting the proceedings of several members of their respective 
Congregations. The facts seem to have been. Several men of ill 
lives being affected with the declarations of the New Lights in 
Salem, had agreed upon a night meeting in their own houses. In 
these they were assisted by Itinerant ministers. Upon application 
to their own ministers they were refused, provided they gave 
countenance to such itinerants. However Mr Story was overawed 
as may be seen, pag. 316 th . Mr H. demanded satisfaction & by a 
preserved course of letters it appears that Mr. S. agreed to object 
to the itinerants. Of these letters an account was given at the As- 
sociation in Marblehead. 

[332] Sept. 9 th In consequence of these proceedings the As- 
sociation by their advice individually did recommend to proceed 
tenderly, but not visit in connection with the Itinerants, in the 
meanwhile, should the pretendedly aggrieved proceed to any open 
measures of opposition, that the ministers of the town should notify 
them of the regular course directed in the Platform of the N. E. 
Churches. Without any regard to these measures, the aggrieved, 
headed by a Knot Martin, had sent to several Churches, such as to 
the 

Church in Ipswich, Chebacco, Cleveland, 
in Beverly, Upper, Oliver, 
in Maiden, Upper, Jutson. 
in Newbury Port, Spring, 
in Kowley Lower, Bradford. 

The Church in Beverley unanimously declined the service, & in- 
stead of it were added the 

Church in Ipswich, Dana. 

in Stoneham, Cleveland, junr. 

[333] On Oct. 21, this body met at Marblehead, but did not 
form into a Council. Recommended to the aggrieved a public con- 
fession of their irregular proceedings. Then advised them to con- 
verse with the ministers, & thence appeal to the Churches, & 
thence to a mutual council, & to shew their disposition, they at- 
tended in company the night meetings, which had occasioned the 
disturbance. 



1788] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 109 

Nov. 4, came news of the death of Richard Masury, who was 
drowned from on board Capt Allen, on an outward bound passage 
to Cadiz. He was addicted to Intemperance, which occasioned his 
death. His brother William, set. 18, was drowned May 6, 1787. 
His father & mother died just before. The Father, June 25, 1786. 
The Mother, July 23, 1786, a month after. Richard, ret. 25. 

Last week the Estate of Jon a Andrew was sold. The store on 
the common with lot of land next to Putnam, to the Executor. 
The Tanhouse, yard & land adjoining [334] to M 1 W m Brown, 
£180*. The front end of the House lately belong 8 to Mr Brown in 
the Lane leading from Capt Jn° White's to the Wharves, was sold 
for £60 to Capt John Hodges. The Estate of Nath Silsbee below 
Daniel's Lane was by an execution extended, set off in part to Jn° 
Collins, in following manner. All the House & land north of a 
line running parallel with the south side of the great Entry, includ- 
ing Barn, out house, & the front south chamber. 

Nov. 9. James Brown, wife & sister, death of Brother, & Breth- 
ren at Sea. Priscilla & Patty Friend, for death of their Brother at 
Wenham. They live in family of Hodges. 

Nov. 11, after a very windy day, there came on toward night a 
heavy rain with wind from S. W. About 5 o'clock P. M. just before 
it cleared off the wind blew violently. It cleared away the whole 
range of buildings in the Tan yard of Chever & [335] Gardner, 
above 100 feet in length. Broke the windows in the public build- 
ings, which were high & exposed to its fury, destroyed the Turret 
upon the house of Capt Allen, & did great damage to the fences, 
upon our enclosures. The chimnies of Mr Joshua Ward's elegant 
brick house were broken off level with the roof of the house. 

Nov. 13. I received the new Collection of Psalms & Hymns 
for public worship, & took of the 200 Copies 75 into my Study. 2 
copies I sent to Larkin, Boston to be bound. 

Nov. 16. Read the Proclamation, & notified the new Psalms. 

Nov. 18. Received 110 Copies in addition to 75 copies Nov. 13. 
Paid Snelling for Collating, 8/. 30 [copies] to the Singers. 

Nov. 23. Widow Mary Cloutman, for death of her Sister Webb. 
Micah Webb, death of Mother, & Brother at Sea. 

[337] Nov. 27. At the annual Thanksgiving the Contribution 
exceeded £15. The weather exceedingly foul. The Anthem, the 
Voice of Lord shake th. &c. Ps : XXIX Ascribe ye glory, &c. 

[342] Nov. 30. Nath : West & Wife for her delivery. Sailed, 
Capt Josiah Orne for a Guinea Voiage. 

From the Gentleman Magazine for April, 1788. 

Died in New Hampshire in America [343] about the latter end 
of the year 1787, Asa Dunbar Esq 1 .* He was an eminent Practitioner 
of the Law : Master of the rising Sun Lodge : A man of great 

♦Colleague minister of the First Church, Salem, 1772-1779; died at Keene, N. H., June 
22, 1787, aet. 41 year6. 



110 DIARY OF [1788 

genius & literary talents, & a most excellent mason. A Brother 
Mason inscribed the following lines on his tomb. 

Peace to these Ashes. 

May the green grass & flowers 

Around this grave 

Be as the memory of him beneath, 

Flourishingly sweet. 

Pass not the spot, without heaving a sigh 

Ye men of Benevolence, 

For he was your friend, & Companion 

Brethren of the Crafts, 

Wet the sprigs on the Turf 

With your willing tears, 

For he was your Master. 

Imitate his life, emulate his virtues 

For doubtless he now lives 
With our Grand Master in Heaven. 

[344] Decyphered a letter from Andrew Murray of Groningen, 
from the Latin. 



DIARY 

OF 

REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 

December 5, 1788— December 22, 1790. 



|"The manuscript is numbered Volume XVI, and the original pagi- 
nation is here shown within brackets.] 



Ke in lucem prodeatis. Memoriae in bona omnia vertontis, Sar- 
cinas portate. Omnium oculos fugite. 

[8] Dec. 5. The first Snow, but very light. 

Dec. 9. Visits at Tea past week. West, Mason, Boardman, 
Gibaut, Lambert, White, Gains. The visits are mentioned to sub- 
ject them to a review, that no family may be neglected. 

Dec. 11. M r Bentley to his good friend Capt B. Hodges, with my 
good wishes & prayers, pray accept for your voiage, In religion, 
Priestley's smaller tracts, as all you may want to know of the 
simple doctrines of Christianity. Your own good heart will supply 
the rules for practice. Priestley on enquiry will recommend the 
liberty of thinking for yourself. Busching. 6v. 4to, will be the 
best Geography for Europe. Bolingbroke on History may be read 
with profit. His tracts upon Study & Exile will not be impertinent 
in [9] your voiage & absence. Bolingbroke's patriot King & 
Hume's Essays will furnish political reflections. D r Price will put 
you in mind of your country. Pope 4v. 12mo. will afford you the 
best poetry of the English nation. Campbell's State of Europe will 
prepare you for the present sera. 

Dec. 14. Nath. Richardson & wife, d : of youngest Child. 

Dec. 17. Snow. The Supreme Judicial Court opened here 
yesterday. 

Dec. 21. Ebenezer Ward & wife, him sick, she dangerously. 
James Clearage, wife's delivery. 

Dec. 22. Letter to John Gibaut in the Indies. 

Dec. 23. Letter to Freeman. My good friend, I rest assured 
that you have every evidence of my esteem & confidence. Allow 
me then, freely to ask you about a clause in a letter, which I re- 
ceived this afternoon from the noted John Murray. I here trans- 
cribe the whole letter. Boston, Dec r 22. Dear Sir, I am desired 
by the people amongst [11] whom I labour, to request your corn- 
Ill 



112 DIARY OF [1788 

party & assistance at the throne of grace, next thursday. We have 
been long used to observe the day, kept at the anniversary of our 
saviour's birth. On this day my friends intended to make my or- 
dination public. Mr Freeman is of opinion you will make no diffi- 
culty in complying with this request, made by my friends, & your 
friend, & devoted Servant. John Murray, directed for me on the 
outside, & inclosed in a letter to Hon. B. Goodhue. 

How happens this letter to be dated at Boston ? Is the Ordina- 
tion at Boston ? Who are the people called his friends ? How do 
I know they desire my assistance, &c. Do they live at Boston, 
Cape Ann, or elsewhere ? Is not one name to be given to me ? In 
what character am I to go ? As a private man, Can I do any ser- 
vice ? Is it the particular appointment of a people which qualifies 
me to act according to the Cambridge Platform ? How long have 
I to think of this matter ? Is one day enough ? What have I to 
do with an Anniversary, against which I remonstrated last Sunday ? 
What is intended by making an ordination jniblic? Ought I not to 
have seen the Candidate? [12] in truth, according to this letter, 
I have place & business too, still to enquire after. What is a 
prayer at an ordination made public under such circumstances? 
I should not have paid attention enough to the letter to have made 
any enquiries, had I not seen the last clause of the letter, Mr Free- 
man sees no difficulty in doing all these things, at least in exposing 
his good friend, who may act without thought in the matter. But, 
pray, my good friend, there may be real difficulties, of which you 
did not think, & to which you would not chearfully submit. 

Such are the consequences. Is it no difficulty to dissolve a 
pleasing connection with an whole association to satisfy as it ap- 
pears from the letter, not the judgment but the caprice of a man, 
who has railed against the whole order of ministers ? Is it no 
difficulty to have open connections with an illiterate foreigner 
without credentials ? Is it no difficulty, when we do not open our 
church for our own lectures, to have it haunted with night lectures, 
& filled with negroes & vagabonds ? Is it no difficulty to change, 
as of course follows, with a man dragging the [13] undefined no- 
tions of Trinity, atonement, personified sins & [dout Apurgato- 
ries ?] as so many spectres along with him, hideous with deformi- 
ty ? These are real difficulties in my mind. Pray then let me 
hear from you for I am convinced that your good sense would not 
allow you to lend your name on such an occasion. Should any 
modest man want encouragement in delivering his sober sentiments, 
you know, however different they might be from my own, I would 
show him all the attention in my power. I have no contracted 
feelings of sect, or party : but while good order is necessary among 
all ranks of men, & proper qualifications of mind, & manners, no 
good man should dispence with them. With all sincerity, in regard 



1788] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 113 

to your public character, & your personal merit, Rev d Sir, your 
most devoted & humbl e Sevt,& friend, W. B. 

[14] Dec. 28. Sunday, very stormy. [15] James Clearage & 
wife to be remembered. 

Dec. 29. The meeting house had a new floor laid upon the old 
one. Capt Patterson ready to sail passenger in a Sloop belonging 
to W ra Gray, for Charlestown, on account of Pierre's arrival at that 
port. The weather in the month of December has been upon extremes. 

[16] January 1, 1789. Trans : Will from French for Widow 
of Benj a Cox. 

Jan. 4. Sam 1 Ropes & wife, death of her father. Susannah 
Dean for delivery, Husband at Sea. Mary Hodges for delivery, 
Husband & Brother at Sea. 

Jan. 5. About this time appeared the wandering star John M.* 
& preached repeatedly in the Court House. The Gent, noted for 
his prudence, declared in his pulpit, that on account of the risk 
(such was the idea) it was best to conceive punishment literally 
eternal. Prudence ! At the same time came about an Irish wire 
dancer. They did not both exhibit in the Court House, the last had 
the Assembly room, but the last could not refrain from closing with a 
sermon, tho a ludicrous one. The curiosity awakened by them both 
was great, tho' among the better sort it ended in disgust. 

[17] Jan. 9. Whether (is a question), is a secret better kept, 
by being written ? Or in other words does writing a resolution to 
keep a secret, enable a person better to keep a resolution? How is 
the effect produced ? Whether a man's honour & his bond are 
felt in this case ? Take notice of this a month hence. 

Jan. 10. A letter from W m Mason dated Dec 1 13 th 1788. News 
about this time that my Uncle Wheat was drowned at Providence. 
He was an intemperate man. 

Jan. 12. Notes. Ebenz : Ward, Death of his wife. Benj a 
Ward & wife, d. of Mother & Brother at Sea. [18] Seizure of 
John Norris' Goods for running them.f 

Jan. 16. Letter from Forbes, Cape Ann, for exchange & begging 
business with M rs Welman. Answer upon Welman's business. " I 
waited upon M rs Welman at your request, & am firmly persuaded 
that she sealed her letter, & intended nothing disrespectful either 
in the manner or purport of her letter. C. Pherson left the note 
with his mother, with other property for the maintainence of his 
children. As the time of payment would be out in his absence, he 
left the note ready for payment. The other steps seem to have 
been dictated by the mother's own necessities, & there is no appear- 
ance of a design either to dispose of the note, or of any other than 
friendly purposes." 

•Murray. 
tSmuggling. 



114 DIAKY OF [1789 

Jan. 18. Johnson Briggs, Wife's delivery, son at sea. Jonathan 
Archer, 2d, Wife's delivery, friends at Sea. 

Jan. 21. A paper was circulated to be signed [19] by the Essex 
Lodge of Free Masons, in order to obtain a meeting of the Lodge, 
to consider of the requisition made by the Grand Lodge respecting 
the delivery of the Charter. As a previous vote had been obtained, 
authorizing Joseph Hiller R. W. M. & W m Bentley to act discre- 
tionally in this matter, a few being together the Charter was deliv- 
ered to be returned to the Grand Lodge, &c. 

Jan. 22. This morning M r N. Knowlton removed to Ipswich, far 
gone in a consumption. 

[20] Jan. 25. Notes. Mary Waters, delivery, Husband & 
Brother at Sea. 

Feb. 1. Notes. Wid. Abigail Archer, death of G. Son Obeare, 
& G. Sons at Sea. Abigail Lambert, death of Brother, Husband & 
Brother at Sea. Sarah Chever for delivery, Husband & Brother at 
Sea. 

Feb. 2. To My Father. Dear Sir, I received this day a letter 
from you, offering your opinion upon a collection of Psalms & 
Hymns, which I sent you. No man's opinion could be more ac- 
ceptable to me than my father's, I am then ever sorry to find it so 
hasty. How Dean Swift & Socinus came together I cannot imagine, 
especially when the former has published a sermon recommending 
implicit faith in the Trinity. As to the mutilation, there are no 
half sentences & the collection of Psalms was [21] made by the 
late Convention of Episcopal churches at Philadelphia, all of whom 
received the doctrine of the Trinity among their articles. But per- 
haps the omission of some Psalms is intended in your severe objec- 
tion. Did not D r Watts designedly omit some Psalms in his ver- 
sion? Else why has a late Connecticut poet attempted to supply 
them ? In the choice of the Hymns undoubtedly you leave us at 
full liberty, & did you know the direction given to D r Doddridge, 
& Jennings respecting D r Watts' Hymns from the author, you 
might find that the D r would have wished a separation. But per- 
haps the doctrine of the Trinity is left out ? Where is it to be 
found in the whole of Tate & Brady's version of the Psalms of 
David ? The English church has recommended that version, & it 
has been used by many churches in New England. Can the addi- 
tion of Doxologies no where to be found in the Scriptures be less a 
crime, than " mutilations " consisting only in pref ering some Psalms 
to others in Christian worship ? From your writing respecting de- 
votion one might [22] be led to imagine that you would wish D r 
Watts' Hymns to the Saviour from the Canticles were inserted. I 
shall only offer you the Dr's own words on that subject. " Let it 
be observed that it was much the fashion, even among some 
divines of eminence in former years, to express the fervers of de- 
vout love to our Saviour in the style of the song of Solomon. And 




JONATHAN JACKSON OF NEWBURYPORT. 



From a portrait painted by Copley in I 784. This plate is from Currier's 
History of Newburyport. 



1789] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 115 

I must confess that Several of my composures in Verse written in 
younger life were led by those examples unwarily into this track. 
But if I may be permitted to speak the sense of maturer age, I can 
hardly think this the happiest language in which Christians should 
discover their warm sentiments of religion, since the clearer & more 
spiritual revelations of the New Testament." I leave the Dr's 
opinion with you, & declaring myself a friend to rational religion, 
& offering my duty to my Mamma & friends, I with thanks sub- 
scribe myself your dutiful son. 

[23] Feb. 11. Trans : from french a Letter from Mr Hubon to 
Mr N. Richardson relating to Mr Cox's will. 

Feb. 12. Capt Lander taken sick by violent bleeding at the nose. 
Letters from W. Mason with Gazettes, & specimens of Carolina 
Cotton, & Walter's Hay seed. From mem : Jan y 9. consider the 
maxim of Cardinal de Retz, otherwise applied, that it is one of the 
greatest inconveniencies when one ought to study with greater care, 
what is to be hid from one's friends, than what is to be done against 
one's enemies. 

Feb. 19. Letter to Capt Hodges by Murphy. Compliments. 
Gazettes. Goodhue's Election. Govr's impeachment. Election of 
President. New York backward & City preparations. N. Carolina. 
Rhode Island State act. Reports of English Fortifications. Gen : 
Conclusion. [24] Naval list. Seizure. Town By Laws. Diman. 
Becket & Silsbee. Murray, wire dancer & Tumbler. Parish anec- 
dotes. Boardman's entertainment. 

The History of the periodical Publications called Magazines in 
Massachusetts from Thomas' Proposals to renew them in 1789. 
" The first publication of the kind was as early as about the year 
1749. — That work, entitled The American Magazine, was continued 
three years. The next, that we recollect, made its appearance in 
the year 1758, entitled The New England Magazine. This was 
published only three months. In 1774 appeared the Royal Amer- 
ican Magazine, which soon ceased." The first numbers by Mr 
Thomas. The other by Mr Greenleaf. After the Revolution ap- 
peared the " Boston Magazine," & soon after another, " The Gentle- 
man & Lady's Town & Country Magazine. These soon failed. 
The present proposals are for the Massachusetts' Magazine. 

Feb. 21. I went for Newbury. The roads were much blocked 
by large drifts of Snow which fell the night before, & in other 
places the earth was left uncovered. After [25] stopping at Fair- 
field's in Wenham, & Treadwell's in Ipswich, I arrived at 6 P. M. 
at Mr. Jackson's. This Gentleman had a son under my instruction 
for several months. He owns a very large and elegant Mansion 
house on the road to Amsbury from N. Port, on the north side of 
the road. At present he occupies an house belonging to Mr N. 
Tracey built of brick in the great street leading to the ferry, Town 
House, & first Church. I was received with every mark of atten- 



116 DIARY OF [1789 

tion. M rs Jackson is a second wife with a large family of very amia- 
ble children. She is of the Tracey family, & her father Patrick 
Tracey then lay at the point of death. On Sunday M r J. very 
politely waited upon me to the Meeting House, in which the 
preachers are Mess" Cary, & Andrews. The assembly is the best 
in the port, including the best families. The weather was very bad, 
& therefore did not admit a general attendance. The building has 
nothing to recommend it. In the evening we were favored [261 
with the company of Master Pike, author of a late treatise on 
Arithmetic, Mr. S. Hooper, D r Swett, &c. On Monday morning I 
waited upon D r Swett in company with Mr Jackson, & breakfasted. 
D r Swett is a polite scholar, & can recommend himself. I dined 
with Rev d Cary. This Gent: has been ordained 20 years, but is 
taken from his public labours by a paralytic stroke, which prevents 
his conversation, but has not otherwise impaired his memory, than 
by the loss of words, which he recollects by counting the letters 
upon his fingers. He has strong passions which he has remarkably 
governed. This evening I drank Tea at M r Pike's who teaches the 
Grammar School, & enjoyed afterward my classmate Kilham at Mr. 
Jackson's. On Tuesday morning I breakfasted with M r S. Hooper 
a merchant of the place. And according to appointment M r J. in- 
troduced me to M r Carter's, who has an amiable daughter. As I 
wished for an acquaintance there was a favorable opportunity, 
for Miss C. & her Brother intending a journey to Boston on the 
upper road, it agreed [27] with my plan of a return home to accom- 
pany them. We passed by M r Noble's meeting house on the right, 
& then M r Kimball's, & afterward, M r Tappan's on the left, upon 
an high hill, near to the elegant Seat of Hon : M r Dalton, & the 
farm of M r S. Hooper, which were on our right, & commanded a 
view of the Port & of the Ocean. We stopped at Bradford & de- 
livered Letters from D r Tucker of Newbury, one of the best char- 
acters of the age, to a celebrated M r Balch, whose good sense 
distinguished him in his ministerial character in his own generation, 
& makes him venerable to posterity. He is above 80 years of age, 
& has been past his public labours for 15 years. His wife is blind, 
& deaf, but an uncommon share of chearfulness falls to the good 
man's lot. M r Dutch his colleague was at the house, when we visi- 
ted. We then went for the Upper Parish. The river was frozen 
& there was an excellent path from Russel ferry to Haverhill, but 
it being near night, [28] & very cold we kept on Bradford side & 
put up at Rev d M r Allen's. He addressed the eldest daughter of 
D r Eliot of Boston who died before his settlement, & is now mar- 
ried to a M rs Kent, many years older than himself. They have 
one child & are very hospitable. Haverhill is an agreable Town on 
the opposite side of the river, which side being lower than on Brad- 
ford side, gave us a good view over the river. After breakfast we 
proceeded to Andover. There was a lecture appointed at M r 



1789] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 117 

French's, but my company formed an excuse for my leaving them 
after I had viewed the Academy. It is an elegant building, situa- 
ted upon an hill, in free air. In the front are enclosed two rooms, 
designed for private Schools, & a Library, &c. Between there you 
pass into the Academy. Between 40 or 50 youth were present un- 
der the Preceptor M r E Pemberton, & the Sub P. a M r Abbot. 
The Preceptor is an amiable man & communicative. His abilities 
are admirable for his profession. Above unfinished, & fitted with 
benches for [29] the religious Congregation, for which an house has 
been rebuilding, was the Hall, & Theatre. It is arched with great 
success for the exhibitions of the youth of the academy. The 
Meeting House is finished with great elegance. It has a tower 
but no steeple, & is painted in the best manner. We dined at 
Jones' Wilmington, & then parted. The Young Lady gave me 
every proof of a good education for all the useful ends of life. At 
Esq 1 Fords I conversed upon the subject of our old acquaintance, & 
found his conversation still marked with the religious enthusiasm, 
which has distinguished his whole life. He is above 80. I then 
went to Tewksbury & found Madam Boardman, with whom I 
boarded at Cambridge, & her Son. Madam is aged, & was the 
Daughter of Lieu : Gov : Phipps. On the next morning I went to 
Billerica, & visited the Rev d M r Cummings. He will bear com- 
parison in his [30] profession, with any clergyman of N. England, 
with whom I am acquainted. After having dined, & a little con- 
versation with a Circle of Ladies, who had met together from 
different parts of the country, I visited M r W m Bradford, to enquire 
after a Miss Babbidge, who had been carried thither by a M r Soley 
from Boston. I then returned to Tewkesbury, after having deliv- 
ered letters from my friend M rs Orne to the family of Whites. On 
the next morning I went for Salem, & arrived at 2 o'clock P. M. 

Expenses beside horse & Slay, Essex Bridge, /9 d . Wenham, 1 s /. 
Ips: 1/6. Newb: Bridge, /4 d . New: Servant, 1/6. Shavs, /10 d . 
Bradf : Horse, /10 d . Boardmans sert : 1/6. Dan vers, Upton, 1/6. 
tot : 9 s / 9 d . 

Feb. 23. G : Crowninshield's Schooner sailed for the Isle of 
France. His Son John went in her. 

March 1. Mary Brown, thanks for delivery, Husband & Brother 
at Sea. 

Mar. 2. A W m Perkins committed to the Goal for stealing sev- 
eral Boxes of Castille Soap from Col. Fiske. He lived in Wiat's 
house. 

Mar. 3. Note to the Selectmen at Mr. Archer's request. 

Salem, March 3, 1789. 

Gentlemen : This may certify that the services performed by me 
upon the Eastern public Clock [36] were by Mr. Archer's permis- 
sion, & without any regard to the usual payments made for such 
services. Gent : your humble Serv* W. B. Quanta de spe decide ! 



118 DIARY OF [1789 

Mar. 8. W m Ropes for wife's delivery, & Brothers at Sea. On 
Sunday night the dwelling house of Col. Fiske was plundered in the 
follow g manner, about two o'clock in the morning. The thief en- 
tered by a Pantry window over the garden, which was not fastened. 
From the pantry, through the Kitchen he went into the Setting 
room. He found all doors open, & the plate in the Buffet. Hav- 
ing secured the Plate, he searched the draws, & desk, & took the 
linnen, & a pair of pistols. In the morning upon the discovery of 
the thieft search was made, & guards placed upon the roads & 
bridges. On Tuesday the Kneebuckles were offered at the Maiden 
bridge, the thief detained, <& upon a public hearing at Salem con- 
fessed, & restored the goods. He gives as his name Steward. He 
is of good person, ready wit, & open [37] in his declarations. 
This is the fourth thieft detected by the Col. this winter, & one 
other culprit is under confinement. 

Mar. 13. Capt. Ingersoll experienced an imposition from a Wheel- 
right, alias Parsons in a bargain for a pretended vessel at Kenne- 
bunk. The Rogue secured y 2 a bag of cotton, & has escaped. In 
this week happened one of the most interesting events of my life. 
It was in the following manner. On the Monday of the past week 
I drank tea at M r W m Browne's, & was informed that the circles 
in which the young ladies drank tea, were not friendly to the suit- 
able decorum required of the sex, from the want of a guard upon 
their youthful spirits, & that a wantoness had ensued, which dis- 
covered itself in the street by such language as curse you, &c. As 
this information involved the fate of a Miss B. C* to whom I had 
been very attentive, I pursued my enquiries & by Miss Hannah 
Webb was told that on the Saturday night preceeding [38] this 
young lady in company of her sex did behave disorderly, & use pro- 
phane & obscene language. I then enquired at the house of the 
person, with whom this event took place, & was assured that the 
above person came to her house pursued as she said by a sailor, who 
had thrown a hat at her, with a torn night cap, that her dress was 
disordered, & her behavior unseemly, & her language obscene, & 
common only to sailors. Upon this information I reported to my 
friends in confidence what I had heard, namely to M rs Gibaut, B. 
Hodges, A. Orne, & to Capt. John White, daring to represent the con- 
versation in Sailor's language. In violation of promise, the infor- 
mation lodged, to obtain general character was reported to the fam- 
ily. Upon which Miss B. C. sent a note on Saturday evening, last 
past, implying an attempt in me to injure her character. Having 
company I wrote an answer to the note. On Monday Capt W. the 
guardian called upon me, demanded satisfaction, accused me in the 
severest [39] terms, & afterwards in public places threatened a 
civil prosecution. As I was fully convinced my method had not 

*Betsy Cooke? 



1789] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 119 

been regular, & that to inform myself I had injured the parties, 
tho' without intention, I went to the parties offended, confessed the 
error of my proceedings & asked forgiveness. The reports are vari- 
ous, my informers equivocate, & the consequences are yet unknown. 
If this event does not teach me prudence in my conversation, & great 
caution in my attachments, the greatest suffering will be my just due. 
Mar. 14. Died, W m Pynchon Esq r , Barrister at Law. He pos- 
sessed an amiable temper, sweet manners, & a pure & classical 
taste. His avertion from the Revolution prevented his opportuni- 
ties for advancing his fortune during the War, & the dissolute man- 
ners of his male children served to involve the little property he 
had acquired before in his profession. He married a Sewell. His 
eldest [40] son died without issue. His youngest son is now in the 
profession of Law. His daughters who are living are amiable wom- 
men. One married the Rev d T. F. Oliver, of Marblehead, the other 
Mr. Tim : Orne of Salem. Another daughter, who married W m 
Wetmore Esq r , Barrister at Law, is dead & has left one child. MT. 
64. 

[44] March 17. Tuesday evening a second dance was permitted 
in the chamber of Capt Boardman's elegant house. The number 
of persons much lessened on this second occasion. 

[47] Mar. 18. A Building the property of the family of Lambert, 
having one room upon a floor, & the entrance in a range with the 
Chimney at the eastern end, the whole building facing the western 
end of English's Lane nearly, taken down. 

Mar. 23. Mr B. Babbidge brought the following List of persons 
disposed to enter a New School, proposed to fill the Singing seats, &c. 

xMiss Betsey Philips, on the Common. 

xMiss Sally Chever, . 

xMiss Sally Phippen, Hardy's Lane. 

xMiss Polly Herrick, New Street. 

xMiss Sally Becket, Becket's Lane. 

xMiss Lydia Herrick, New Street. 

xMiss Nabby Swasey, Daniel's Lane. 

xMr. John Duncklee, App : of R. Manning, Smith. 

xJohn Trask, . 

xAndover* Ward, App: of R. Becket, Shipwright. 

xLuke Heard, App : of B. Chever, Cordwainer. 

xSamuel Leach, App: of J. Becket, Boatbuilder. 

xEbenezer Phelps, Baker. 
[48] xMr Samuel Chever, S. of Capt S. Chever. 

xEbenezer Leach, App : of Mr Fowler, Cordwainer. 

xJonathan Webb, Cooper. 

xThomas Palfrey, Cooper. 

xJoseph Vincent, S. of J. Vincent, Ropemaker. 

•Andrew? 



120 DIARY OF [1789 

The persons who have been visited & have agreed, are marked x. 
Mentioned to be added, are 

xMiss Hannah Swasey, Daniel's Lane. 
xPriscilla Webb, On the Common. 
xPeggy Chever, On the Common. 

On March 23 I was called at 3 o'clock A. M. to attend at Capt 
Pratt's on account of a delirium which had seized his Son Joseph, 
set. 19. He was outrageous, & from the uncommon business which 
devolved upon him his ideas run upon rank, & government. 

Mar. 25. A Letter written to D r Kitteridge on the occasion, in- 
closing letters from D r Holyoke & Capt Crowninshield. On Tues- 
day J. P. was conveyed to Andover to the family of a M r Chickering 
under the care of D r Kitteridge. Letter to S. C. Ward on the 
same. In the last month died the noted Col. Ethan Allen, who dis- 
tinguished himself in the last war in Canada, & since by a book in 
his name, called " The Oracles of Reason." 

[49] Maxims from Card : di Retz formed into a prayer for night 
& morning. O God ! enable me to remember that nothing but a 
continuation of good fortune is able to fix most men's friendship, 
the numbers of faults from believing otherwise are inconceiva- 
ble. It is easier to withstand our enemies, than to know what to 
trust to our friends. All men are capable of ingratitude without 
knowing it. Familiarity ruins a man, when he is in adversity, as 
it is then improved against him. May I always keep my natural 
goodness under some restraint, & by good conduct so keep it hid, as 
that I may preserve the dignity of it. God, write these truths 
upon my heart. 

Mar. 26. Added another letter to D r Kitteridge in my own name, 
& another signed by M rs Pratt, & sent them on by Capt Sam 1 Chever, 
who is Brother to M ra Pratt, & who wishes to consult a Physician 
on his own case. At 5 P. M. departed this life Miss Betsey Hol- 
yoke, second daughter of Dr Holyoke, set. 17. She was of good 
person, & amiable manners. 

Mar. 27. Margaret Prat, for Son delirious, & Husband at Sea. 
John Collins, wife's delivery. The name given was W m Bently, 
which I declined, naming it William only.* 

[50] On Tuesday, March 29, I went for Andover. I dined at 
the Black Horse in Middleton & while dinner was preparing I 
viewed the Pond lying west of the road at a ^ of a mile's distance. 
The Pond measures a mile E. & W. & about \ mile north & S. A 
road passes by it on the north, on which side the pond is viewed 
with great advantage from the top of an hill adjoining. After dinner 
I proceeded to Andover, & put up at Adams' on Haverhill's road. 
Then went to D r Kitteridge's \ mile from the meeting house. He 
has a large mansion house finished in front with great elegance [51] 
with a plan of a large yard. The House is on the S. side of a Hill 

♦Probably refers to a child baptized that day. 



1789] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 121 

of considerable elevation & commands a good prospect of the Great 
Road. After Tea with the D r , & his wife an Osgood, very deaf, & 
a sweet daughter Sukey, I went in company with the D r to M r 
Chickering's. At this house young Prat is confined. I found his 
delirium continued. I spent the evening at Rev. Synimes, & found 
him an informed & agreeable Gentleman. His health is very infirm. 
His wife was a sensible, & kind woman. I lodged & breakfasted 
at the Doctor's, visited Pratt again, took my leave of the Parson, & 
left the Town. I dined at E. Fuller's a good farmer in Middleton. 
Visited Parson Smith, & drank tea & lodged at Rev d Wadsworth 
in Danvers. He is an ingenious man & has a very amiable wife & 
family. On Thursday 11 o'clock A. M. I reached Salem. 

Ap. 3. On Friday opened a new school for singing at my own 
house. Present at the first meeting were Misses Phillips, S. & P. 
Chever, S. Phippen, & P. Webb. The men were Messieurs Luke 
Heard, S. Leach, B. Hutcheson, & J. Becket. 

New names added, to page 47 : 

xMr Benjamin Hutcheson, a Smith, apprentice. 
xJohn Becket, a miner. 
xBenj a Dean, a miner. 
[52] xMiss Polly Bowditch. 
xBetsey Bowditch. 
xSukey Dean. 
xPolly Emerton. 

Died April 2, Miss Charlotte Ives, set. 18, daughter of my friend 
Wid. Ives at Beverley. She was an amiable, & pretty girl. 

Ap. 6. At the Election of Governor the votes stood for Han- 
cock, 214. Bowdoin, 52 ; for L : Gov. Adams, 131. Lincoln, 126. 
This change of opinion was occasioned by the virulence, with which 
the Gov : had been attacked by a writer, Laco, in the Centinel, 
Boston. 

Ap. 7. Added to Neiv Singers, Miss Hannah Beadle. 

Ap. 10. We had rain & thunder on this day Friday. 

[53] Ap. 15. Families removed, till this time in the current year, 
are of N. Knowlton, who died at Ipswich. John Andrews, removed 
to Windham. The families & other events to be noted in the day 
book, & transferred into a list No. IX. at the end of the year. 

Ap. 16. To Mr Mason upon entering the ministry. As to the 
intimation you leave with me respecting my profession, I hardly 
know what to write to you. I should never advise you to enter the 
ministry, unless you had rationally examined Christianity. And 
after such examination I should not recommend preaching, unless 
you was a firm believer. By a firm believer, I intend, not one, who 
gives an easy credit to mysteries, or renounces his understanding 
on any point of faith, but a man, who, upon the full conviction of a 
future moral retribution as the great poiut of Christian faith, 
preaches with sober regard to the virtuous happiness of mankind, 



122 DIARY OF [1789 

being able to abandon without reluctance all worldly interest, 
which may interfere with the conscientious discharge of his duty, 
&c., &c. 

[54] April 19. Notes by William Sage & wife, death of her 
Brother Welcome. Benj a Nourse & Wife, death of her Brother 
Welcome. Abigail Lambert, delivery, & Husband & Brethern at 
Sea. John Gunnison's wife's delivery. 

Ap. 20. Upon settlement of Parish Books M r Snelling fell into 
debt upon his sum collected, nearly half. Mr Diman wrote a letter 
proposing a settlement of his father's salary. The Committee 
offered a reference, by letter, to which he answered, that should 
they oblige him to a legal course he should chuse the most expensive. 

[56] Ap. 24. The dancing at p. 44, was an occasion for some low 
satyre spread in writing through the Town. 

Ap. 26. Proclamation for Fast, 7 May, read. Evening service noti- 
fied at 3 o'clock. Died in this month Rev d Chandler set. 82, of Row- 
ley. The Hon : Judge Cushing at the opening of the Supreme 
Court at Worcester, in his charge pointed out the nature & danger- 
ous tendency of Libels. A Seasonable caution to this Commonwealth. 

On May 7, 1788, I spake to Cushing for the Worcester Gazette, by 
Thomas, and on April 29, 1789, for the Courier de Boston, a french 
Gazette, published by Nancrede, the french Instructor at Cambridge 
from Mr. Hall's press in Boston, the same press formerly employed 
at Salem. 

[57] Ap. 29. Mr. Barnard appointed to preach the Artillery Elec- 
tion S. at Boston this year. No. 1. of Courier de Boston was pub- 
lished Apr. 23, 1789. 

May 7. Collection for the poor at the Fast, £8. 

[May 10.] Notes. Primus Grant & Wife, death of child. Samuel 
Silsbee & Wife for her delivery, & Brethren at Sea. 

May 13. Mr. Edmund Kimball, a mariner on board Capt Lambert, 
going out upon the bowsprit [58] was knocked over & was drowned. 
He has left a wife who was a Webb, & several children. 

Last week a Cellar was dug by a Mr. Palfrey, on the Lot of Land 
running from Blaney's, alias Ingersoll & Allen's wharf, into Derby 
street, & on the right of the road leading from the wharf. The 
house is upon the street. 

A Building which joins Vincent's House to the Work house, & 

ope walk. 

A Shop by Mr. Gray in the Bow Street, which has the place of 
the Shop, burnt some time since. 

Foundation laying for a Distill House* on the land belonging to 
Woodbridge, & upon the Creek running up to Col. Fiske's. 

Another rupture with the Vir ingenuus. He was suspicious of 
my influence in favor of Col. Fiske, as a representative, & went in- 
to the office & upon the wharves insinuating his suspicions, & to give 

*Foot of Elm and Walnut streets. 



1789] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 123 

an odious turn to my conduct, he pointed it as designed injury to 
Esq r Manning, another Candidate. This is the fourth rupture, the 
first respecting the sermon in September. The second respect g Mrs. 
Sanders' question, whether I believed what I said in the pulpit, the 
third of the last month. Thus when men are disposed for mischief 
it is always in their power, if they have interest, while the general 
character of [59], imprudence serves to strengthen all suspicions. 

On the 12 th , Association met at Fuller's in Gloucester. The road 
is at present through Chebacco, part of Ipswich. It is tolerable 
till we reach the pond on our right. From thence it is two miles 
to the inlet, upon which the Meeting house stands. The Bridge is 
convenient, but the Causeway beyond, being overflowed by the tide, 
consists of so many naked cross pieces, & stones, as make it very 
disagreable. After we are over we turn to the left in a bad road & 
in three miles reach the Meeting house. It is the most rocky par- 
ish I ever beheld. 12 Clergymen of the Association were present. 
We returned on the same day. In Chebacco are two meeting houses 
near to each other, which are improved alternately as the age of the 
houses & their size suit the seasons. They are monuments of relig- 
ious dissentions in that place, which is still remarkable for its zeal. 
Mr. Cleveland, to whom they are indebted for their present character, 
was severely handled by Mayhew, & tho' a man of small abilities 
has interfered in many printed controversies & his daughter in the 
zeal of Night meetings was overtaken by temptation, & fell. 

[60] Notes. Emmy Kimball, with children, for death of Husband 
& Father, & for two Sons at Sea & Brother. Ab : Knowlton & wife 
for her very sick. Benj a Henderson for him sick of a fever. 

May 21. This day in a conference with my friend Col. Fiske, I 
asked his advice respecting the renewal of my visits to the man who 
has injured me, & of whom I have formed the most horrid opinion. 
My most devout prayer to heaven is, that I might never mention the 
subject again to any man, whatever may be my resolutions. I know 
the wise maxims of Philosophy, but should I not regard them, the 
sight of this passage, might serve to humble me, & produce no incon- 
siderable benefit. I consider my existence as a Parish Minister de- 
pending on my resolution. 

[61] May 24. Notes. Hannah Hodges, delivery, husband & Broth- 
ers at Sea. Elizabeth Cotton, delivery, husband at Sea. 

May 25. Translated from the Spanish, the Edict of the King of 
Spain respecting the Slave-Trade in the West Indies, in 12 articles, 
for Mr. Joshua Ward. Very hastily. 

May 29. On Wednesday went to Boston & returned on Friday. 
News of the death of Captain William Fairfield, who commanded 
the Schooner which sailed in Capt. J° White's employ in the African 
Slave Trade. He was killed by the Negroes on board.* 

*See Essex Institute Hist. Colls, vol. XXV. p. 311. 



124 DIARY OF [1789 

May 30. Translated papers relating to the funeral of W m Molloy> 
in Martinico, fr. French, for Capt. J. Chever. 

May 31. Lydia Hodges for delivery, Husband & friends at Sea. 
Went to Boston on Monday & returned on Tuesday. The Artillery 
Election. 

June 1. Translated Dutch Inventory of Effects of Capt. Richard 
Hodges. 

[63] June 6. R. Fairfield, death of Husband, son & friends at Sea. 
W m Peele & Wife, death of Br. F., son & friends at sea. Wid : H. 
Cloutman, death of B. F., son & friend at sea. John Becket with 
family, death of Br. Fairfield. 

June 21. Visited this week the Nahant. Visited Manchester. 
Notes. Elizabeth Chipman, delivery, Husband & Brethren at Sea. 
James Brown & Wife, her delivery, Brethren at Sea, 

June 22. Catechised the young Daughters of the Flock, 74 in 
number. Died, Capt. Josiah Orne senior, set. 44. 

June 23. Catechised the young sons of the flock, 102 in number. 

[64] June 22. Removed, Mr Snelling, Bookbinder, to Boston, 
with family of 6 persons. New difficulties. Col. F. obtained a pe- 
tition from a Lawyer, to gain an explanation of the Parish Act. 
It was signed by a few & sent on, & passed both Houses. The man 
of judgement has inflamed the people with the idea of rashness, in 
truth, that it is a measure which will oblige the parish to pay their 
debts. 

June 28. W m Fairfield & Mother, death of W m Fairfield, his 
father, & thanks for his own return. He was with his father at his 
death. Edmond Kimball, death of his father & Brother & friends 
at Sea. Mary Crownin shield, delivery, Husband & Brother at Sea. 

July 5. John Berry & Wife, for her sick. 

July 6. On Monday evening there was an exhibition in the new 
& elegant Academy erected at Marblehead. The youth performed 
the Tragedy of Cato by Mr. Addison & several other pieces. The 
performances were good & did honor to the Academy. Mr. Harris 
the preceptor gained just credit. 

July 7. By Capt. Pratt we learn the death of George Waters,* 
who was killed by the Guards in the Verd Islands, attempting to 
rescue some of the American sailors apprehended by authority. 
His fate was of a rash young man, acting against the remonstrances 
of his friends. 

Capt Samuel Ingersoll is carrying out the wall of Col Turner's 
Garden several feet & securing it by a firm breastwork of stone. t 

Col. Fiske elected the Brigadier General by the field Officers of 
Regiments belonging to Salem, Cape Ann & Lynn. [68] The 
petition sent on mentioned page 64th, was signed by Col. Fiske of 
Prop : & Parish Committee. Abraham Watson, Parish Treasurer. 

♦Son of Samuel Waters. 

t At the foot of Turner street. 



1789] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 125 

Benj a Ward, Warden. W m Browne, Warden & of Prop's Comm. 
Nath. Richardson of Parish Committee. 

[July 16.] House raised by M r Palfrey at the Corner of Lane 
leading to Allen & Ingersoll's wharf. Commencement at Cambridge 
with usual chearf ulness. Mr. [69] Winthrop lost the professorship 
by a majority against him of 32 to 14. Among his friends were 
the Governor, L. Gov. & principal Civil Characters. Mr Webber a 
worthy man is chosen. 

July 19. Joseph Searle, death of his wife. Susannah Babbidge, 
d. of Sister Searle. Mary Collins, d. of Sister Searle. Widow 
Mary Waters, d. of her Son at Cape Verde & Son at Sea. 

July 27. The Machine for weighing Hay was erected upon the 
entrance of the Common from the Bridge,* & the Pond begun to be 
filled up, which lay between it, & the Alms House, the Pond also 
in front of Capt Boardman's partly filled. The Houses of Capt 
Benj a Hodges, & Master John Watson in the Street painted, as 
well as several pews in the Meeting House. [70] A Sermon de- 
livered last Sunday in the North Meeting House upon the subject 
of the worship of Jesus inculcating such worship. 

Aug. 2. Wid. Mary Whitford, death of two Brothers abroad at 
Sea, & friends at Sea. Thomas Diman & wife, death of his daugh- 
ter, thanks for his own return from Sea. Mary Batemanf for her 
delivery, prayers for her Husband & Brethren at Sea. 

On Saturday, Aug. 1, visited Topsfield, one of the most pleasing 
towns in our neighborhood. After dinner M r Porter with M rs Orne 
went with me to a pond about two miles above the Meeting house 
on the road to Boxford. At a Mr Hood's at the upper end of the 
pond we were entertained with berries, &c, &c, &c. The pond runs 
nearly with the road in a supposed north & south direction \ a mile, 
& is nearly of equal width throughout, being about a \ of a mile 
under, in both directions the given distances. The approach to the 
pond upon the west side is best, but the greater part is swampy. 
[71] We travelled through the swamp, by which we were prepared 
without ceremony to wade in for the Pond Billies. We returned 
for Tea to M r Porter's. The sides of the Pond are very shoal, 
which makes fishing with angling rods very difficult, & there was 
no boat at this time in the pond. Mr Porter caught one Pickerel. 

Aug. 11. Association at Chelsea at which Rev d Belnap preached. 

Aug. 13. Wrote a letter to my Brother John Bentley living with 
Mr. George Ulmer, Thomaston. 

[72] Aug. 14. Reports of the death of Bishop White of Philadel- 
phia, false. College of Philadelphia have given degree of D. D. to 
Rev. Robert Smith, Rector of S l Philip's & Principal of Charleston 
College, South Carolina. Also the same degree to Rev d Edw. Bass 
of Newbury Port, Bp. elect for Massach : & X. Hamp. & to Rev d 

"In Winter Street opposite the Common. 
tBootman? 



126 DIARY OF [1789 

Sain 1 Parker of Trinity, Boston. Eev d D r David Griffith, Bp. elect 
of Virginia, died at Philadelphia. Died at Marblehead 25 th instant 
my worthy friend Major Lee, of Manchester. 

Aug. 30. Eliza Chipman with her children, prayers for death of 
her mother, & Husband & Brothers at Sea. 

Sept. 3. Pire in the Study on the 2 d of September. 

[73] Sept. 4. Copy of a Certificate given to member of Mr. Diman's 
Communion, &c, &c. 

Salem, Sept. 5, 1789. 

This may certify that Sarah, the Wife of Hunlock Palfrey, was ad- 
mitted to the Communion of the Christian Church according to the 
Cambridge Platform by the Rev d James Diman, & is under no 
Church Censure. 

Benj a Ward, Warden. Will m Bentley, Clerk. 

Sept. 6. Isaac White & Wife, for her delivery. John Eliot Dale 
& Wife, for her delivery. Susannah Jeffrey, for delivery & Husband 
at Sea. 

Sept. 10. A Subscription for replacing the Tail Part of the Vane, 
or Weather Cock, on the Steeple of the East Meeting House. The 
Vane is in a place from which it may be seen most easily at the 
Wharves, & in the Harbour as well as by the Inhabitants of the 
Eastern Part of the Town. It was injured by a storm of wind, 
which broke off the hinder part, & prevented its motions otherwise 
than broad to the wind. It is now liable to be forced [74] off by 
exposing its whole side to the wind, & to bend the Spindle, & besides 
being useless as a Vane, & dangerous to the Spire, it is a Public mark 
of inattention, & neglect. The Gentlemen are therefore requested 
to subscribe for so convenient, & necessary repair. Delivered to 
Cap* Jon a Mason sen r , at his private request. 

Sept. 13. Notes. Stephen Cloutman & Wife, her delivery, brethren 
at Sea. Amos Lefavre & wife, her delivery. Service altered to 2 
o'clock, P. M. 

Sept. 20. Mary Hill, death of her husband, & Brother at Sea. 
Mary Whitford, d. of Son Hill, & Son at Sea. Mary Waters, d. of 
Child, Husband absent & brethren at Sea. 

Sept. 27. Marshall Stocker & wife, return from Sea (he) Sick. 
Benj a Gardner and Children, death of Brother at Boston. Jonathan 
Archer & wife, he sick of a fever, & for death of G. Child. James 
Archer & wife, death of Child. 

[75] Sept. 28. M r Derby has repaired the store at the head of his 
wharf, & glazed the front, so as to give it a very improved appear- 
ance, compared with its former condition. King W., the Turner, 
has conveyed a Shop for his business to the southwest corner of the 
Common on the estate of Andrew ; now property of Gardiner. Beck- 
et's House opposite to Lambert's in the Street leading to the Neck 
is brought forward by the addition of a new Shop for Wid. Fairfield. 

On the opposite side of the road leading from the Common into 



1789] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 127 

the Street going to the Neck by an additional building, Brown's 
Barn is converted into a Bakehouse for M r Phelps. An old Barn 
standing in the Lane* east of Long Wharf Lane, belonging to Ar- 
cher's estate has been taken down. The House on the Great Street 
at the entrance of the Lanef leading from Capt John White's to 
the Wharves, has undergone an entire repair. It was formerly oc- 
cupied by Capt. Patterson. A Hatter's Shop built in front of the 
distill House, lately raised upon Woodbridge's Wharf. The Store 
on Long Wharf, belong 15 to Heirs of Richard Derby, repaired by 
Miles Ward in virtue of a Lease. [76] Capt Patterson has moved, 
from the Lane the Barn belong 8 to the House he bought in the Lane 
east of Long Wharf Lane, & finished it & the fence very handsome- 
ly. Mr. Derby has repaired the Store on Winter Island, & contin- 
ued the Hoof down over a new part raised on the W T est side, towards 
a convenient landing within the Wharf. Mr. J. Becket has repaired 
the end of his House which belonged to the wife of Mr Searle, & 
the heirs of the Estate. Capt Byrne in the Lane, east of Long Wharf 
Lane sometime since moved the Barn from the Lane, & raised a neat 
painted Fence. Capt Benj ft Hodges painted anew his elegant dwell- 
ing House in the Street. Mr A. Watson did the same upon his 
House at the corner of Long Wharf Lane. 

Sept. 27. A building moved onto the East front Corner of the 
Land of Widow Crowninshield, nearly facing Daniel's Lane by Mr 
Very. 

[77] Oct. 2. Stone Steps purchased for the side doors of the front 
porch of Meeting House. 66 feet at 1/8, amounting to £5.10. 0. 
The feet are measured by the picked surfaces. The College of Yale 
has conferred degree of LL. D. on Rev d Cutler of Ipswich. Capt 
Boardman arrived with his new Ship the Betsey, & Maria & Eliza, 
from Portsmouth. Spake to Dunham to procure Portuguese Dic- 
tionary Portuguese-English, see order vol. 10. Mr B. Ward's Barn on 
the Common was moved from Capt Boardman's last year, when the 
new one belonging to Capt Boardman was raised. Capt Allen has 
covered the roof of his house & store, with the sides of the latter, 
with Tar intermixed with a fine gravel, & has converted the front of 
the Store into a Shop. 

Oct. 3. Capt Collins laid the foundation of his new Sea Wall 
which makes his garden square at the bottom of Turner's Lane, on 
the east side. Capt. S. Ingersoll on Turner's Estate has added a 
new picketed fence to his excellent stone wall, which gives a good 
appearance. 

[78] Oct. 11. Sarah Silsbee, death of Child, Husband & son at 
Sea. W m Browne & Wife, death of G. Child. Benj* Browne & 
Wife, death of Child. 

On Monday, Oct. 5, the Militia was under arms & on Tuesday 

•Herbert street. 
tCurtis street. 



128 DIARY OF [1789 

were reviewed by General Titcombe. The weather being foul, the 
pleasure of the day was much interrupted. On Thursday following 
Gen : Brooks, with Brig. Hull reviewed the Troops at Medf ord, con- 
sisting of Bond's & Blanchard's Regiments, a Troop of Horse, & 
Artillery, & Independant Companies. On Monday following Gen. 
Titcombe with Brig. Fiske reviewed the Cape Ann Regiment. The 
general joy, & the attention paid to the occasion gave uncommon 
satisfaction. There was a brilliant assembly in the evening, hon- 
ored with the company of the principal gentlemen, & Clergymen of 
the Town. I was present at these reviews. [80] New difficulties 
from the little friend of the man of judgment respecting the baptism 
of a Child, grounded on the small error, that the substituting in 
place of the usual form, the words in the name of J. Christ, was 
equal to a refusal to use his name at all. He applied for the form 
in the name of God. 

Oct. 18, [1789.] Jonathan Archer & wife for him very sick. 
Gamaliel Hodges & wife for her delivery, & Brethren at Sea. In 
1784, E. H. Derby employed Mr Joshua Phippen to finish the east- 
ern part of his wharf in stone at bottom, continuing it till nearly a 
line with the upper store, leaving it open above as in a jog. This 
work was begun in June, & ended 2 November. 

Oct. 19. From this jog he begun Oct. 19, 89, by the same work- 
man to continue a breastwork over to the other wharf called Pal- 
frey's wharf in a line with the Street, & many feet below the former 
breastwork, which had been ripped up for other uses. The last Job 
is said to be engaged at £110. [81] The distances as given by 
Mr Phippen & measured are. The Eastern side of the Wharf from 
the head to the projection, at which the new closs wharf is to begin 
about 667 feet. The width of the Eastern Side at the projection, 
or jogg — 28 feet. The distance from the old breast- work down to 
this projection, & consequently the wider road, 94 feet. The dis- 
tance from the projection to the opposite Wharf, which will be the 
length of the breast work, 173 feet. 

[82] Oct. 23. Capt Allen at the corner leading to the Water, 
in Meeting house Lane, has raised a building contiguous to his 
house 50 feet by 10, covering the Pump, & fitted for a Chaisehouse 
at the Western end. Mr Brown & Chever have raised a peaked & 
rough fence on each side of the land, running parallel with the cross 
Lanes leading to the water, between the Houses belonging to them 
in said Lanes. 

Oct. 22. Application was made for an Ode upon the Occasion of 
the intended visit of General Washington. For reasons avowed I 
declined offering one, however I possessed myself of the follow- 
ing materials, which are preserved for review at some future 
day. 



1789] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 129 

I. Hail, hail, the day, ye heavenly choir! 
Let earth with all her sons conspire 
Great Washington demands your song 
Let Heaven & Earth their notes prolong. 

Chorus. Loud, loud, proclaim, the Hero's come. 
Proclaim aloud, Great Washington. 

[83] II. Our Winthrops nursed our infant days 
Our Fathers did rehearse their praise 
From proud oppression sought retreat 
And Salem was their happy Seat. 

New joy proclaim, our Hero, &c. 

III. Our Fathers with fair freedom blest 

Here sought their peace, here found their rest : 
The rich inheritance they gave, 
Great Washington was sent to save. 

Loud, loud, proclaim, &c. 

IV. When proud oppression urged to Arms, 
And slaughter spread its dire alarms, 
Great Washington with glory rose 
Kepelled, & vanquish'd all our foes. 

Loud, &c. 

V. Sweet peace return 'd, glad plenty smiled, 
The Arts and Commerce were revived ; 
Domestic pleasures we recall 
Great Washington secured them all. 

VI. The tender fair quit their retreat, 

And fearless round their Altars meet, 
Their falling tears attend the song 
In honor of Great Washington. 

Loud, &c. 

[84] VII. The Children hear their Savior's fame, 
And lisp with gratitude his name. 
While sires, for them in hopes most are blest, 
Quit life, of every wish possest. 

VIII. Behold how great, & good the name ! 
Guardian in War, in peace the same ! 
Our Peace, our Wars bring his renown 
The Olive, & the Warrior's crown. 



130 DIAKY Of [1789 

IX. Fair Liberty behold thy Son 

Who nations for thine Empire won : 
Who lives to teach in every clime, 
Thy sacred Laws to all mankind. 

Loud, loud, proclaim, &c. 

Oct. 29. On Thursday, Oct. 29, General Washington the Presi- 
dent of the United States visited Salem. Notice of his approach 
from Marblehead was to be given by hoisting a flag at Gardiner's 
Mills, two miles from the town and at the head of the bay, which 
makes the harbour of Salem. This flag was to be followed by an- 
other at the old Fort, a mile below the Town, at the entrance of 
the Harbour, opposite to Noggshead [85] and this was to be signal 
for discharging thirteen cannon from the New Fort, on the Great 
hill west of the Old Fort on the Neck. Three Pieces 12 pounders 
were placed at the entrance of the new Fort, towards the Town for 
the discharge. At the same time orders were issued in Town to 
assemble the Inhabitants at one o'clock in Court Street, who 
formed from the Court House towards the Street, first the Town 
Magistrates such as Selectmen, Overseers, School Committees & 
Justices of the Peace, then the Clergy, then the Merchants, 
Mechanics, & the School-Masters with the children of their respec- 
tive charges. These were marched to the corner at the En- 
trance of the Town, called Buffum's Corner, & then opened on the 
opposite sides of the streets. The Militia of the Town were ordered 
out to be reviewed in the Back Street*, within sight of the Proces- 
sion & crossed the Procession in the Main Street just as it had ar- 
rived at the place appointed. The Regiment of the Town under 
command of Col. Abbot was joined by a Regiment from Lynn, with 
the Horse from Ipswich, the Independant Company, [86] & the 
Artillery. The Ipswich Horse were in blue with hats, the Inde- 
pendants in red, & the Artillery in black uniforms. The Militia 
were partly in Rifle frocks. After two o'clock General Washing- 
ton passed Gardiner's Mills, & approached the Town by Marble- 
head road, turned up into the Street leading to Pickering Hill, 
passed Chapman's Corner, crossed the Street at the Town pump, & 
proceeded by the North Meeting house into the Back Street to re- 
view the Troops. He then passed round to Buffum's Corner 
through Boston road, escorted by the Troop from Andover in red 
uniform with caps, preceeded by the Marshall Mr Jackson, & the 
Sheriff of the county, & attended by such Gentlemen as joined him 
on horseback as personal attendants. He had a few servants with 
him and a Baggage waggon. He was received at the Procession by 
the Independant Company, & passed through the Procession, leaving 
the Troops which opened for him at the head of the Procession. 

•Federal street? 




THE MclNTIRE WASHINGTON. 



From a medallion cut in wood by Samuel Mclntire after drawings 

from life, made by him during Washington's visit to Salem 

in I 789. It is 38 X 56 inches in size and formerly 

decorated the western gate of the Common. 



1789] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 131 

After he had passed, the Procession formed & moved towards the 
Court Hoiise through [87] Paved Street; upon their arrival the 
General was accompanied by the Town Officers into the Balcony 
in full view of the crowd below. An Ode was then sung by the 
Inhabitants, in a loft erected for the purpose on the west side of 
the Street, & then an address was read to him by Mr. B. Goodhue, 
the Member of Congress. The General then read an Answer, & the 
Crowd dispersed after several most loud Huzzas, with the fullest 
expressions of the highest satisfaction. The General then retired 
to the House of Mr. Joshua Ward*, which is situated below the 
Old Church at the Entry of the Town from Marblehead. It is a 
large Brick House on the west side of the Street. This assignation 
was made at the General's particular request, & was part of his 
plan of proceeding through New England. In the Evening he re- 
ceived the principal Gentlemen of the Town. The Clergy were 
first introduced, took hands, but did not sit down. After Seven 
the General attended the Assembly, & tarried till after nine. The 
Ladies were numerous & brilliant. The Gentlemen were also nu- 
merous. [88] The Bells rang 15 minutes after his arrival & in the 
evening Sky rockets were thrown from the Court House. The 
Artillery discharged after they were reviewed, as did the other 
troops. As there was a disposition to accommodate the Town by 
assigning Capt Boardman's House on the East side of the Common, 
which was overruled, on Friday morning the General took his de- 
parture from the Town through the Great Street eastward, & turned 
in at the bottom of the Common through Ives lane. At the Bridge 
which was covered with Flags from on board the Ships the General 
was received with the Shouts of the Inhabitants, collected in crowds 
on the occasion and after satisfying his curiosity upon the Bridge, 
at ten he went for Ipswich. 

Nov. 1. Elizabeth Chipman, death of Child, Husband at Sea. 
Elizabeth Millett, death of G. Child, & Son at Sea. 

Nov. 3. Dined, & prayed at the opening of the Supreme Court. 
I could not have conceived that any Situation could have made such 
an impression upon me, & produced so much confusion. 

[89] Nov. 3. Capt Boardman sailed for Virginia in the New 
Ship, belonging to himself & Capt N. West, named Maria & Eliza. 
At the late visit of General Washington it has been observed that 
only three Gentlemen were at any trouble in accomodating! stran- 
gers, General Fiske, Col. Abbot, & Richard Ward Esq r . 

Nov. 6. A Fence raised from Ingersoll's Store to the land of 
Heirs of Richard Derby Esq r by Miles Ward, inclosing the New 
Wharf, lately finished by E. H. Derby, before his Father's Mansion 
House the whole length being above 130 feet. The purpose is to 
secure a Lumber Wharf. 

♦Essex Institute Hist. Colls, vol. vi, p. 104; vol. vi, p. 259. 
tTo accommodate, etc. 



132 diary op [1789 

Nov. 7. As the Sons of Major John Hawthorne were driving a 
Cart upon the Neck at point of Rocks, his fourth son fell from the 
Cart loaded with Rockweed, & the wheel went over his bowels & he 
died on the next morning at 4 o'clock. 

Nov. 8. No singing in the morning, when Mr Prince preached, 
the first omission of the kind since my ordination. The cause was 
a prevailing cold, which has spread very extensively through the 
United States. News of the death of the wife of Rev d M r Swain, 
of Wenham. 

[90] Nov. 10. Association at Wadsworth's, Dan vers. 

Nov. 11. M w Swain buried. I attended the funeral. The fence 
mentioned p. 89, continued upon the estate of heirs of R. Derby by 
Mr Ropes, who occupies the Cooper's Shop at the corner of the 
Long Wharf, upon safd estate. My Sister Betsey married last Sun- 
day to a Mr Henry Fowle. 

Nov. 15. Susannah Harthorne & family for the sudden death of 
her G. Child Harthorne & several infirm G. Children. 

Nov. 22. Notes. Elisha Gunerson & Wife, for him sick. 

Nov. 23. The front of Land belong g to James Chever facing the 
wharves between Crowninshield & Derby cleared of Shops. One 
improved by A. Collins for selling spirituous Liquors, [91] another 
by a Mr Webb as a Shoemaker, & another by a Murray as a Cooper's 
Shop. The last is repaired & to be moved back with the fence to 
run a parallel line with Crowninshield. The little Shops are re- 
moved to the corner of Daniel's Lane. 

Nov. 26. Thanksgiving from the President of the United States, 
but appointed by the Governor. John Ward & wife, him sick, sons 
at Sea. John Gunnison for Brother dangerously sick. 

Nov. 29. Notes. J. Ward & wife, him sick, sons at Sea. John 
Gunnison for Brother & Mother & Sister absent. Deborah Sage, 
delivery, Husband & Brother at Sea. 

Nov. 30. The front end of the House belong 8 to the Estate of 
Searle in the Bow Street, above the Meeting House sold by P. Auc- 
tion to Mr Cooke. Several attempts have been made, & some with 
success, in different parts of the Town to break into Houses, Stores, 
& Vessels. The Losses have not as yet been great. 

[92] Dec. 6. John Gunnison & wife, for Brother very sick. 
Molly Ward & Children, death of Husband & sons at Sea. Hannah 
Webb, death of Brother Ward, & Sons at Sea. News of Capt J. 
Chever, had a storm at Sea, lost all from the deck, & his mate 
drowned. Employed upon a Catalogue of Curwen's Books at R. 
Ward's. 

Dec. 11. Boston Booksellers prohibited selling Books unless by 
a Salem Auctioneer. Letter to & from Mr Harris, Preceptor at Mar- 
blehead respecting Globes, &c, &c. 

Dec. 13. Notes. Mary Gunnison, d. of Brother & for absent 
friends. John Gunnison, death of only Brother, Mother, & Sister 



1789] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 133 

at a distance. Jon a Archer & wife for death of Son Gunnison and 
Brother Ward, & for his own recovery. Jon a Archer 3 d & wife, 
death of Brother. James Archer & wife, death of Brother & Breth- 
ren at Sea. Elizabeth Bullock, sick of a fever, & Son at Sea. 

[94] Dec. 12. On the night of the 12 th a Brig for Boston ran 
upon the rocks off Eagle Island, & was lost, the men all saved. The 
Cargo, salt from S* Martin's. Mr Derby has laid open the Plot of 
Ground in the Cross Street, behind the old Mansion house, for the 
Timber of his new Ship Yard. 

On Dec. 24 1 went with Mr Isaac White to Boston, & dined that day 
with Capt, now Deacon Bidgway, whose house [95] I made my home. 
I visited My new Brother Mr Fowle, & the family & found things in a 
very quiet state. On Christmass I attended the Worship & Communion 
of the Chapel, & heard Brother Freemau. I dined with Isaac White 
senior, in company with D r Lathrop, & in the afternoon visited the 
Catholic Chapel in School Street. The Priest gave a discourse first 
in french, & then in english, & afterwards Christened a child. The 
behaviour of the crowd was rude, but there was not a disposition to 
countenance such behaviour in the sober people, & it was principally 
attributed to the uncomfortable situation of the audience that any 
improprieties ensued. On the next day I walked upon the neck, & 
in the different parts of the Town, & left, for Salem at one o'clock, 
P. M. The weather was remarkably mild for the whole time. All 
circumstances were agreeable from the intercourse of friends, and I 
returned again to Salem to submit to my unavoidable Share in the 
business of life. Worship was at the Meeting of the Universalists, 
as well as at the four other Churches. 

[96] Dec. 28. Application was made for M rs Seward alias Bea- 
dle alias Batten for certificates of her marriage, Baptism, & the Bap- 
tism of her Son, to recover dues from a British Ship. Mr Jenks 
was negociator. During my absence at Boston a melancholy series 
of facts occurred, which respected the peace & happiness of many 
parishioners. One of my singers, not only distinguished by his 
abilities to sing, but his constant attention, & pleasing deportment, 
was detected in the act of breaking into a Shop, from which he had 
repeatedly plundered several articles, but of inconsiderable value. 
He was left an orphan in the charge of a pious G. Mother, & maiden 
aunt, but had been unfortunate in being an apprentice to an indo- 
lent master. In very early life he had contracted a fondness, which 
ended in a courtship of a young woman, whose domestic subjection 
was not without great liberties, as to diversions, visits, & self [97] 
disposal, without any imputation of the low vices. This attach- 
ment between parties, once in better circumstances, & to compensate 
for the want of a present prospect, urged the young man to make 
presents beyond his abilities, & produced the criminal act, which 
exposed him to the Laws of his Country. Every method was used 
by the friends to avert a public punishment. Compensation was 



134 DIARY OF [1789 

made, the party concealed — first in hopes of a voiage to the W. 
Indies, but the public clamour, grounded on numerous suspicions 
of a long course of dishonesty, & the frequent sufferings of the in- 
habitants of the town, rendered it unsafe for any Master of a Vessel 
to take him, afterwards, he was dismissed into the country, in hopes 
that he might be reformed, & have such communications with his 
friends, as might render his reformation favorable to his future wel- 
fare. Such events as they flow from obvious sources, lead us to 
consider the true sources of public evils & guard our parents as well 
as youth ag. them. 

[98] The course of the past year has brought some important 
considerations with the greatest force to my mind. In the first 
place, the conversation into which I am easily betrayed, free, & 
unguarded, has involved me in many little enmities which will 
ever imbitter life. The severe reproof of vices has incurred the 
blame, & horrid abuse of such men as were attached from the 
licentiousness of their minds, who connect always favor to them- 
selves, with all revolutions in favor of rational religion. I have 
seen warm professions of friendship suddenly converted into as bit- 
ter reproaches. I have seen my own reputation insulted upon many 
transient acts, & in danger from a want of consideration, that a ri- 
valship cancels every obligation. I have seen that success fixes 
most men's friendships, and that if I am not prudently provident for 
futurity in vain may I expect that they who have enjoyed the ser- 
vices of my youth, will regard me when they have not the enjoyment 
[99] of my usefulness. On the next year then I have among many 
important duties respecting my manners, enquiries, & Studies the 
four following of the great consequence & immediate use to me. 

First, to be more guarded in my conversation ; secondly, to remem- 
ber that men can love their vices, & will consider reproofs as injur- 
ies, & therefore be watchful. Join the serpent, — to the friendly re- 
prover ; thirdly, to attend particularly to the character of Clergy- 
men ; fourthly, to remember charity begins at home, & lay up in 
Store. Four weighty & necessary duties, inculcated in the last 
year. D r Mather when he was dying gave me the following advice, 
02^ quantum de studio, tantuni de fama. 

[100] YEAR 1790, JANUARY. 

Religion is the highest pleasure of human life. Deo sit gloria. 
This year every day to be noticed, either for natural, political, 
civil, moral, or religious occurrences, &c. 

[101] A Copy of the Articles in the account of Jona Mason for 
my Sister, Elizabeth. Coffee Pot, Six cups & saucers, Cream Pot, 
bowl, Sugar Bowl, 6 Knives & Forks, 3 Dishes, a quart Jugg, & a 
Pint Jugg. I added a dozen Plates. 

Jan. 1. A very pleasant day of the New Year. 



1790] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 135 

Jan. 2. Letters are Received from a Sam 1 Jennison at Oxford, 
Worcester County, begging charitable relief. He was a Son of Rev d 
Jennison formerly of the East Parish, Salem. The Town has formed 
the following resolves, To have a Town Watch & To petition for 
a Lottery to cleanse the Channels of the Harbour, & North River. 
There is a Duck Manufactory proposed for which the Subscription 
is for fifty shares at one hundred dollars each. It is said that the 
Selectmen have offered the land adjoining the Old Almshouse on 
Pickering's hill, at a quit rent of six pence pr. annum. Mr. H. Derby 
beside opening his land back of the old Mansion house is making 
large preparations at the unfinished House [102] near the Wharf, 
for a commodious Shed, Saw pit & work yard, for his Ship Building. 

Jan. 4. This day uncommonly mild, windows open. & the appear- 
ance of opening Spring. A woman in the neighborhood, known for 
her industry & passimony, having an intemperate husband, whom 
she had long endeavored to reclaim, & being at last addicted to the 
vice, she so often attempted to prevent, in a melancholy mood pre- 
pared to put an end of life, but being discovered, & the fact not being 
generally known, it is hoped will desist from such purposes. 

[103] 5 th The Salem printed News assumes the name of SALEM 
GAZETTE. 

6 th . The projection of a certain character (G. C.) to alienate the 
Church Plate in part pay to the heirs of Rev d Diman, & oblige the 
Church to redeem it, after being set off at its weight, to pay the Par- 
ish Debts. 

7 th . On Saturday last arrived at Boston the noted John Thayer* 
formerly of Boston, educated at Yale College, sometime chaplin at 
the Castle, now a convert to the Catholic Roman Faith. The sing- 
ularity of his conduct before his conversion has made this visit a 
subject of curious nature. It is supposed he has an American Mis- 
sion, &c. 

[104] 8. Last evening one Bennet pretending to be the first Amer- 
ican Wire dancer appeared & exhibited in this Town. M r Phippen 
the Undertaker! at M r Derby's wharf assured me that the carting 
of mud from the Flats upon the Wharf, cost him in the ratio of the 
expence of the Schowwingt as 33 to 20, so much did the carting 
exceed. 

10. Sunday. No singing in the morning when Mr Bernard preached. 
Notes. John Becket, Wife's delivery. Richard Manning jun r , Wife's 
delivery. Mary Gunnerson for delivery. Her husband lately dead. 

11. M r Thayer officiated in Boston for the first time last Sunday. 
A few weeks since the Small Pox made its appearance upon the 
youngest child of M r Leibetter, living in the Eastern end of Whit- 
ford's house, below the Locust field, near the Neck. It was re- 
moved to the Hospital in the great pasture, & is still living. The 

♦See Ezra Stiles' Diary, vol. in. p. 416. 

t Contractor. 

jScow, i. e. a flat boat. 



136 DIARY OP [1790 

Small Pox has again [105] appeared upon a child of 8 months be- 
longing to a M r Smith, labourer in South fields. 

12. State of the Market before Sleding. 

Beef, 2£ to 3 d p r lb. Mutton, /2 d to 3 d 

Veal, 2| to 3 d Lamb, /2 d to 3 d 

Pork, 2i to 3 d Pig, /2 d 

Bacon, /7 d Butter, 8 d / p r lb. 

Turkeys, 3£ to /4 d Geese, 2£ to /3 d 

Fouls, 2£ to /4 d Eggs, /8 d / p r dozen. 

Wheat not in the Market nor Barley. 

Rye, from 3 8 /6 d to /4 6 / p r Bushel. 

Indian Corn, 4/ 

Oats, 1/8 p r Bushel. 

Southern Flour, six dollars p r Barrel. 

Fresh Fish, /l p r lb. 

13. Meeting for the Sale of Pews adjourned, after the Settlement 
of John Derby Esq r , & the Heirs of Richard Derby Esq 1- & good 
hopes from others. 

15. Mr Dabney having opened a Circulating Library in the Center 
of the Town, his [106] Conditions are p r week. 

For each Quarto, ninepence. 

For each Octavo, seven pence. 

For each Duodecimo, four pence. 

For each Pamphlet, Magazine, &c, two pence. 

The Abbe de la Poterie, under a list of Titles appeared at Boston 
in 1789, and consecrated the Brick Church built by the French 
Protestants,* then in ruins, to the Holy Cross. He published a Cer- 
tificate to be signed by such of his friends as would chuse to recom- 
mend him. He published also a pamphlet calling on the public to 
examine his Credentials & Titles, another announcing his Catholic! 
intentions, tho' he was not countenanced by the Consul, being author- 
ised by his Superior — D r Carrol — in America. He published also 
pastoral letters, designating the service particularly on Ash Wednes- 
day, Lent, Palm & Easter Sunday. The whole has no recomenda- 
tion to an American, the absolution, the persons who were forbidden 
the communion, & other things abhorrent of the doctrines of the 
[107] Protestant & Reformed churches, being shewn in their most 
forbidding forms. The Printer brought the Catalogue of Curwin's 
Library in a proof sheet to be corrected. 

16. Last evening the Singers met at my Chamber attended by 
Messieurs Ward, & J° Becket. The men who attended were, 



M r Le Favre. 


M r James Archer. 


M r John Babbidge. 


M r Sam 1 Archer. 


M r Andrew Ward. 


M r Sam 1 Leach. 


M r Luke Heard. 


M r John Dundee. 


M r John Trask. 


M r Benj a Hutcheson. 



"Located in School street. 

tOne of his avowed ends is to urge the public charity.— Footnote in Bentley Diary, 



1790] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 137 

17. News that Capt C. Babbidge lost one of his mariners, by be- 
ing drowned. The man belonged to Beverley. Notes. Sunday. 
Rebecca Ashbey, very sick, & for husband at Sea. Sarah Prince 
for delivery, husband & Brother at Sea. 

18. Attended the drawing of a deed by which M rs Ashby shews 
her intention of vesting the property she has in her house & land in 
her husband, for his repairs, &c. 

[108] 19. In the Gazette we are told that on 31 October it was 
so dark from two till -£ past four in the afternoon at Lexington in 
Kentuckey that the inhabitants were obliged to dine by lighted can- 
dles. Letter from my Brother John dated, Thomaston, January 1 
1790. 

20. The Proprietors adjournment for the sale of Pews. 
Rev d Diman's sold to Gen. Fiske, 49 doll. 
Carleton's Heirs to Sam 1 Ingersoll, £6. 

Becket's Heirs to John Becket, £5. 
Palfrey, to give a deed for half the Pew. 
Young's Pew sold to Proprietors. 

21. Report of Capt Reid's being overset in a sloop bound from 
Boston to Townsend. The Captain & one mariner escaped after 
having been in an open boat eight days. 

22. Attended last evening the Exhibition of youth in the Acad- 
emy of Marblehead. The youth were dressed very handsomely both 
male & female. Their manners not so simple as before. The in- 
troductory part belonging to the Preceptor, was performed by a 
youth of the School, & the [109] subject was the importance of ed- 
ucation. The Preceptor never made his appearance in his public 
character. The simple & puerile performances were easy & enter- 
taining. The philosophic pieces were delivered so as to betray that 
they were above the capacity of children. Berquin's inimitable work 
appeared with very great advantage on this occasion. The Tragedy 
of Barnwell began about 10 in the evening, & I left the academy. 
The part of Millwood was performed by a young lady of the Town. 
The female part of the entertainment was highly disgusting to me, 
as the parts were infamous, assigned to them, & as this kind of ed- 
ucation has no friendly influence upon their amiable modesty, their 
sympathy, or more kind domestic accomplishments. Opposite feel- 
ings seized me on this occasion. A love of innocent youth in the 
hopes of good education, attended with most solemn apprehensions 
of their danger & destruction. I tarried till the morning with Rev d 
Hubbard. 

[J 10] 23. Died this morning early M r8 Elizabeth Becket.* She 
was an Ingersoll. For many months she had complained, but since 
her last delivery, had apparently recovered unusual health. She 
was taken with complaints in the back, but not conceived by her 
physician to be in eminent danger. The cause is uncertain, the bow- 

*The second wife of Capt. John Becket. 



138 DIARY OF [1790 

els swell exceedingly since her death. She was a very excellent do- 
mestic woman, & very chearful in her natural temper. 

24. Sunday. Notes for Prayers. Mansfield Burril, Wife & Chil- 
dren, death of Son in Law Stocker & friends at Sea. Martha Stack- 
er, death of her husband. Widow Margaret Young, death of a 
friend, Madam Ashby. 

25. Brother Bernard shut up his meeting House yesterday incon- 
sequence of a fall upon the Ice, by which he was rendered unable to 
walk without pain. [HI] Strong Aurora Borealis observed in Nov- 
ember at Charlestown, S. C. It was of a crimson colour, & reached 
the zenith, continuing from 7^ to 12 o'clock. 

26. At the funeral of M r3 Becket the Militia Officers appeared, 
& followed the relations. The procession very long. 

27. Last week a Schooner from the W. Indies belonging to Mar- 
blehead was cast ashore on Boar's Head below Newbury. The 
Capt, Hinckley, died on his passage. 

Jan. 28. Certain persons disappointed in regard to the pur- 
chase of M r Diman's Pew, after having dispossessed an old Tenant, 
& put a raised floor upon the Pew, gave orders to have it ripped 
up, & in resentment left the Pew without any accommodations, &c, 
&c. One of these persons belongs to the Church, the other in a 
quarrel about a pew lately left the Church of England. 

29. The Sun Shone so bright & the air was so agreable, as ren- 
dered a fire unnecessary for the whole day. The evening was as 
moderate as the day preceeding it. 

[113] 30. This day a woman by the name Welch was delivered 
of Twins in the South fields & died after delivery. One child has 
survived her. This is the fourth time of bearing Twins, & the, 
woman is now possessed of no lawful husband, & 46 years of age 
w* 300 lb. The force of natural propensity is strikingly seen, & 
why may not the natural child verify the old observation respect- 
ing genius, got by lustful stealth of nature. The 30 of Jan y against 
the old English Proverb a fair day this year. M r J° White assures 
me that the looming on the Virginia Mountains mentioned by Jef- 
ferson as different from the common looming of near objects on the 
water, by changing the form of the objects entirely, has been ob- 
served at Sea but only by him upon Southerly wind, & a low point 
has become seemingly bluff, & in various forms in a few minutes. 

31. Sunday. Notes. John Becket & children, death of his Wife. 
W m Peele & Wife, death of Sister Becket & Son at Sea. John Bab- 
bidge & Wife, death of her mother & absent friends. Hannah 
Cloutman, death of Sister Becket & Son at Sea. Hannah Malcolm, 
d. of Sister Becket, & husband & Sons at Sea. John Underwood & 
Wife, for her delivery. 

[114] February 1, 1790. The Town Lottery proposed meets 
with no encouragement at the General Court. The Committee of 
the House rather treated it as whimsical. The petitions of the 



1790] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 139 

same nature are very numerous. At present Classes of Tickets are 
selling in the Charlestown & Lancaster Lotteries, &c. The desire 
of adventuring is so great in this way, that Brokers, &c. have spec- 
ulated upon the purchase of Tickets, a speculation before unknown 
in America. This day was drowned Harry, a very active Negro 
man from a Vessel belonging to J. Norris, commanded by Capt. 
Knight. He was leaping from the wharf to the vessel, after fast- 
ening a rope, & slipped into the water. He was recovered after 
20 minutes, from the bottom in 9 feet of water. Every experiment 
was tried, first that of the Humane society, then electricity, then 
the warm water, & the inflation of the lungs, but with no success. 
He seemed a very proper subject, but whether the cold, which tho' 
not extreme on a rainy day in open air, is great near the bed of 
rivers continually running, & which freezes at the bottom, or a 
neglect to evacuate [115] that quantity of water collecting in the 
stomach was the cause is not determined. Tho' the rolling former- 
ly used was too violent I cannot conceive that so natural a thought 
for relieving persons taken from the water should have no substi- 
tute for relief, &c. 

2. Letter to W m Mason inclosing Gazettes, Curwin's Catalogue, 
& the Bye-Laws of the Town, with information of particular events 
till this date. At M r Bernard's a Latin edition of Father Paul, 
which has long laid in his hands unknown. It was printed in 1622, 
but the place not mentioned — the name is given Petrus Suavis, 
Polanus. The family name of Father Paul was Peter Sarpi, & his 
Council of Trent was published in England, according to Bayle in 
1619, & succeeded by an english, latin & french translation. The 
Episcopal clergyman of this town is endeavoring to cooperate open- 
ly with Gay & Duane of N. Y. against the measures of the Episco- 
pal Convention. The printed proceedings of the Episcopal Con- 
vention I have not seen. I have already sent to Charlestown, but 
could not obtain them, see p. 120. [116.] The Convention of 
Ministers Parker, Oliver, D r Bass, & Ogden met at Salem, & elect- 
ed D r B. Bishop. They did not ask lay concurrence. Trisker* & 
Wheeler protested to Bp. Provost, who is in Gay, &c's. interest. 
Trisker is now employed to go to Marblehead to interest the laity 
in his measures. Dalton has at last made D r B.f uncomfortable at 
Newbury Port, & T. is to do the same for O.f at Marblehead. The 
interest of any church was never rendered more contemptible than 
the Episcopal interest in Massachusetts. The avowed object of the 
Convention at Salem was to unite the clergy of Connecticut with 
the Southern churches, which they have accomplished and hereby 
have endangered the whole interest, by counteracting the wishes of 
powerful individuals through the United States. An anecdote of 

♦Tasker? 

tBaas. 

tOliver. 



140 DIARY OF [1790 

Bishop Seabury from Rev d Andrew Eliot of Fairfield. He was ap- 
plied to by a number of Episcopalians in an inland Town to admin- 
ister Confirmation & Baptism. [117] As they had no house of 
Worship, their neighbors the Dissenters respectfully offered by a 
Committee the use of the Congregational Meeting House to the 
Bishop. With sovereign disdain he replied, I NEVER HAVE, & 
I NEVER INTEND TO OFFICIATE IN AN UNCONSE- 
CRATED HOUSE. The disgust of his partizans was so great 
that they renounced Episcopacy, & joined the dissenters. The 
English Reviewers complain that the Proceedings of the Episc: 
Convention are not published with the Book of Common Prayer. 
The truth is, it is from various causes impossible to get a fair rep- 
resentation on either side. It complains that Parker designedly 
concealed from him the copies of the Proceedings sent forward for 
his use. Oliver in turn that F.* has carried proposals to his peo- 
ple, of which he is ignorant & without asking his permission. Such 
is the management of the Episcopal Interest in the Commonwealth 
in the hands of men, totally inadequate to such great undertakings. 

[118] 3. I walked with M r W m Browne round the Wharves, 
which I had never visited before since I had been in town. The 
Committee to examine into encroachments made upon the Channel 
have determined a line running from the Bridge of Long Wharf to 
the eastern end of Gray's Wharf, which intersects at an acute angle 
the Ends of the Piers belonging to Pierce & Ward's Wharves, 
both of which have been lengthened very lately. The number of 
Wharves is greater than I supposed, & may admit from 8 to 9 feet 
of water. The Controversy is yet sub judice. At Ashby's a 
Schooner is on the Stocks. | 

4. I went over to Marblehead to preach a Lecture for M r Hub- 
bard. The weather was foul. [119] This evening there was a 
Proprietor's Committee meeting at Marblehead. Their method is 
Annually to chuse a Committee both at M r Story's Society, & M r 
Hubbard's. This Committee is chosen nearly at the beginning of 
the Year upon the Calendar. At the annual election this Commit- 
tee consisting of thirteen persons dines with the minister. Monthly 
they meet at each others' houses, & sup, & spend an evening togeth- 
er, & on such occasion the minister is always to be invited. At 
these meetings they pay the minister what they have collected, & 
then having examined the Books, they divide the delinquencies 
among the members, assigning to each his part in order to collect, 
as he should be able against the next meeting. At M r Oliver's the 
Ep. Minister's I had the pleasure of looking over a compleat collec- 
tion of all Hogarth's paintings in some admirable engravings, & 
the following question was considered. Whether Elizabeth did 

•Fisher. 

1 Their shipyard was near the Charter street burying-ground. 



1790] KEV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 141 

exercise all the powers as Supreme head of the church, which 
Henry the 8 exercised? — or under limitations ? 

[120] 5. I obtained of the Rev d T. F. Oliver a Copy of the pro- 
ceedings in the late Episcopal Convention. But he assures me that 
there are some subsequent alterations respecting the manner of de- 
ciding, &c. in the upper house of Bishops, as well as respecting fur- 
ther alterations in the Book of Common prayer. 

6. Reports respecting M r Reid* Apothecary in this Town that 
he has gone to Congress for a patent for some machine, said to be 
of Steam, &c. Vulgar Report. Public conversation is engrossed 
by the proposals respecting American Finances & Loans. A Letter 
has been sent into the Parish signifying that M 1 ' Diman has applied 
to the General Assembly for an act enabling him to settle with the 
East Parish in Salem. 

[Feb.] 7. Sunday. Notes. David Hilliard & Wife for her sick. 
Isaiah Thomas has sent on PROPOSALS printed in order to facilitate 
the printing of a QUARTO AMERICAN BIBLE. [121] These 
proposals, it is said, have been sent to all the Clergy, &c. A Small 
Octavo, but larger & much fairer than our common Scotch Bibles, 
was printed at the close of the War by Aitken in Philadelphia. It 
is said he was a great sufferer by the impression as the close of the 
War occasioned a great influx of Scotch Bibles which were sold at 
a cheaper price by almost half than he could afford for his Ameri- 
can Impression. Many impressions of the New Testament have 
been made in America, but the fairest & largest is the Octavo pub- 
lished by Collins of Trenton, in 1788. This is the best I have seen, 
but the circulated copies are upon very mean paper. 

8. Another letter from the Member that the Parish matter at the 
general Assembly is deferred till tomorrow for a second reading. I 
applied to the Wardens for assistance to M rs Hilliard. The knowl- 
edge of Characters, & the changes in human life is the most in- 
structive which we can attain. As the present Salem Memberf of 
the General Assembly is a remarkable character, some anecdotes of 
him may deserve to be remembered. When M r Dunbar was ordained 
at Salem [122] the member, &c. was a minister in Lynn, & belong- 
ing to the Salem Association. M r D. applied for admission but 
was opposed by this person, who had the opposition, & M r D. gained 
admission by the artifice of obtaining admission for D r Willard, 
now President at Cambridge, & inducing him to give a vote. M r 
Dunbar with genius, possessed the dangerous weapon, ready wit, of 
which we know what men are most afraid. The same M — being 
absent often at Topsfield & Ipswich, from which town he married 
his wife, became subject of innocent merriment betAveen D r Eliot 
of Boston, & M r Payson of Chelsea. The conversation being told, 
the member consented with his Parishioners to invite M r Payson 

•Hon. Nathan Read, afterwards Judge and Member of Congress. 
tDr. John Treadwell, see Essex Institute Hist. Colls, vol. i v., p. 129. 



142 DlAfiY OF [1790 

into his parish at a Lecture, & assigned to his confederates to insult 
him in public worship by going out, &c. under pretence of Toryism, 
a very odious imputation at that time. This agreement Cap* Holden 
Johnson has since acknowledged with many aggravating circum- 
stances, as a further anecdote of his leaving the ministry. Cap' 
Johnson having purchased the house in which the member lived, to 
whom the refusal was given at a certain [123] price by the heirs of 
the Rev* 3 Hinchman deceased. He became so irritable that without 
any other notice after Sermon he abruptly took leave of his Parish, 
& tho' solicited to officiate on the next Sunday, by the application 
of the Parish he utterly refused & the house was shut up. The 
friends of M r Dunbar are now his friends & tho' of an obsti- 
nate & unrelenting temper he is the only Member for Salem, after 
residing but a short time in the Town, without any knowledge of 
Commerce. 

9. In the Mass : Mag. for last Month are republished some re- 
marks from D r Franklin first published in 1763, respecting Heat 
& Cold. The D r denies the supposed difference between the effects 
of wet and damp clothes. He asserts the safety with which he has 
arisen from bed & continued naked reading or writing, & the sup- 
plemental pleasure of going to bed after having been in this state. 
He mentions a person, who by Sanctorius Balance decided that the 
perspiration was greater when naked, than when cloathed, a D r 
Stark, & begs the experiment might be renewed. He infers that 
the causes of taking cold, or of a checked perspiration are not such 
as are commonly imagined. [124] Quere, whether the opinion of 
the difference between damp & wet cloathes does not arise from the 
first more frequently happening while the Body is at rest. We are 
told that the Demolition of the old Hall of Dartmouth College on 
the 3 d of December last was occasioned by a general Combination 
of the Students to destroy it on account of its wretched State, & 
that they subscribed £100 for the Eebuilding of a Chapel in its 
Stead. Thomas has published repeatedly in the Worcester Gazette 
an Account of the principal American Editions of works in several 
branches of literature, & gives us proof that we proceed faster in 
the number of our Books than in the excellence of our Execution. 
Tho' the Books are not the first in reputation a large share of them 
apply to useful life. 

[125] 10. The weather has continued since Saturday five days 
very cold, after a very pleasant season. At 1/2 past 7 A. M. The 
Thermometer Far. stood 7 1/2 below 0. after sunrise at 9 below, 
& was then rising. The Master Workman observed to Capt Becket 
that Timber was purchased by M r Derby at 6 8 / p r Ton cheaper than 
at the South Shore, tho' the whole be land carriage, but that the 
workmen must be hired at 1/4 dearer price, from the many attempts 
at Ship Building in Providence, & at the Yards in this Common- 
wealth. M r Prince observed the Thermometer at Sunrise to be 10 



1790] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 143 

below 0. Cloth is made in private families of good qualities. I 
saw a specimen from the family [126] of the Rev d Smith of Mid- 
dleton, wove intermixed, black & white, very dark ground, & fin- 
ished very well. M r Richardson carried some this day to the Ful- 
ler's mill at Ipswich, & intended a better specimen from his farm 
in Middleton to be sent to Lancaster, Worcestershire, to a noted 
Fuller in that place. 

11. A Federal discharge of Cannon on the Common in honor of 
the birth of our Illustrious President George Washington. The 
Episcopalian Convention met after the time mentioned on the 5 in- 
stant, & which accounts for the alterations alluded to. No account 
of this meeting has been printed or can be obtained with any degree 
of certainty. — Curious fact. — The Proprietors of Union, commonly 
called the Long Wharf, have adopted the following regulations, 
with which the owners of piers & wharves have agreed to comply. 
The following is a Copy of the Advertisement. This is to give 
notice to all Master of Vessels, & others concerned, that the Pro- 
prietors of the Union Wharf (commonly called the Long Wharf) 
in Salem [127] have appointed Jonathan Mason, Wharfinger, & 
have given him directions to receive of all Masters of Vessels, & 
others who make use of said Wharf, such Wharfage as may be due 
from them before they go to Sea, & have established the Rates of 
Wharfage as follows, viz'. 

Dockage of Vessels from 50 to 100 Tons at l 8 / p r day. 

100 to 150 do at 1/6 " « 
150 & above 2/ p r " 

For Landing & Taking off Goods, 

Hogsheads & Pipes, at /3 d each 

Tierces, at /2 d " 

Barrels, at /l d " 

Small Bags, Half Barrels, Firkins & Kegs, at £ d 

Boards, Staves, & Hoops, p r M. at /3 d 

Shingles, Clapboards, & Lathes, at /6 d p r M. 

Shook Hogsheads, at -£ d each. 

Timber, Iron, Cordage, Hemp, Lead, 

Steel, & Hay, at /3 d p r Ton. 

Green Hides & Leather, at £ d p r Hide. 

Horses, Cows, & Oxen, at /6 d P r Hd. 

Sheep, at /l d " " 

Wood & Bark, at /6 d p r Crd. 

Ballast & Bricks, at /8 d p r Ton. 

Grain of all Sorts, . at £ d p r Bu. 

[128] Lemons p r box, at £ d p r 

Every Trunk, Bale, Case, Box of Goods 

& Crates, at /5 d each. 

Salt & Coal, at /2 d p r Hhd. 

And other Goods in proportion. 



144 DIARY OF [1790 

Goods. Taking out or in alongside half price. All Wood & 
Lumber Coasters that do not unload at the Wharf shall pay as other 
Vessels do for Dockage & for goods taking in or out at the above 
Rates. Boston Coasters & Fishing Vessels at /6 d p r day and all 
goods landing or taking off at the above Rates. All vessels laying 
at the String to pay the same Wharfage. Salem, February 11, 1790. 
Jon* Mason, W[h]arfinger. 

A Marine Society was formed in Salem 25 March 1766, & the 
Laws were revised in 1784, & corrected again in 1790. The Laws 
first published were seventeen & in the following order. Law I. 
provides that the members should have been Commanders of Vessels, 
unless upon extraordinary occasions. The same in 1784. [129] 
Law II. Meet once a month, &c. This law was altered in 1784, but 
by a Petition to the Gen : Assembly 1790 is restored. The third 
article 1784 provides for the choice of officers, inspection of 
Accounts, &c. in October. Law III. Appoints the Master of the 
Society Moderator & provides for his absence. This corresponds 
with Law fourth 1784. Law IV. Requires every admitted member 
to pay at admissiou twenty shillings, & eight pence monthly for 
the stock, &c. Law fifth 1784 determines admissions at a quar- 
terly meeting, twelve members present, & three fourths in favor by 
corns put in a Hat, & Law sixth requires the same payment, except- 
ing six pence for each quarterly meeting since the annual meeting 
in October, & Law seventh provides three shillings to be paid at 
every quarterly meeting for the fund. Law V. Requires that the 
member applying for relief should have paid dues for six months. 
Law ninth 1784 requires to have been a member one year & to have 
complied with all the rules & regulations. [130] Law VI. Pro- 
vides that every applicant shall set forth his case in writing, & the 
next meeting shall vote him relief, provided notwithstanding that 
if three members declare him a proper object, the relief may be 
granted immediately. Law tenth 1784, provides that the Appli- 
cant shall appear in person, & that the Society may admit another 
person in his name, & may take time to consider it, unless the Soci- 
ety think immediate relief is required by the necessity of the Case. 
Law VII. Requires all successful absent members to pay monthly 
dues. Law eight 1784 requires that the Clerk shall call on all 
members not excused by poverty or misfortune for dues, & neglect 
to pay for six quarterly meetings, shall prevent their being consid- 
ered as members. Law VIII. May relieve families of deceased 
members. This is provided for in Law tenth 1784 the Applicant 
being " the member, his widow or children." Law IX. Decayed 
Seamen relieved annually provided they have been members seven 
years. This is Law XI. 1784. [131] Law X. Money let only upon 
Collateral Security in Land, double the value, as near as may be 
to Salem, & clear. This is Law twelfth 1784. Law XI. No gam- 
ing at a Meeting. Law XIII. 1784. Law XII. No Quarrels. And 



1790] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 145 

if they take place Three members at least, shall fine the party 
offending not above 20 shillings or less than two. This is Law 
XIV. 1784. Law XIII. Against open Vices, to be discharged by a 
vote of the major part of members present & excluded from any 
benefits at the Annual Mo . This is Law XV. 1784. Law XIV. 
Profanity and not attendance a fine of one & four pence. Law 
XVI. 1784, provides three shillings at the quarterly meeting but 
to be changed at the discretion of the Society. Law XV. Attend- 
ance at Funerals required under penalty of one shilling & 4 pence. 
This is Law XVII. 1784. Law XVI. Communications after Voi- 
ages to be received. Law XVIII. 1784 requires that communica- 
tions be made in extraordinary cases. Law XVII. Clerk keeps 
just accounts & read the Laws. This is the same as Law XIX. 
1784. 

The last publication shews more full experience, tho' the less 
frequent meetings have had the expected effects. [132] The Cat- 
alogue printed in 1766 has 36 members. The Catalogue in 1781 
has 78 members and the Catalogue in 1784 has 92 members. Since 
this time only one member has been added. The Beverley members 
have withdrawn, many are absent & settled abroad, & the number 
of those remaining in Salem is forty- two. The great attention paid 
to this Institution in Boston has induced several members to make 
new attempts to revive it here in all its force. I proposed to the 
Clerk that a Chaplain should be chosen, whose business it should 
be to attend all strangers, who should call for the relief, or council 
of the Marine Society, perform all offices in the visitation of sick 
Strangers, attend their funerals, & assist them by advice in dispos- 
ing of their effects, writing letters to their friends, & giving them 
most ready information of the Laws of the Commonwealth & the 
Union. I objected to any annual election, because a long acquaint- 
ance with foreigners, their languages, & the usual houses of board- 
ing strangers could enable a man to do his duty. The election 
should be during good behavior & the Chaplin should appear at the 
Annual [133] meeting, have no vote, & serve without fee or Beward. 
Their Laws, applications to Physicians, & their necessary business 
may be additional objects, as well as public services to explain the 
Institution to the People. 

12. The Cold continues severe, & the Harbour is frozen over 
below the Fort. A man perished last night at Marblehead, upon a 
bed of Bags by the Cold, &c. 

13. Uncle Diman the only male member of our Church who is 
the object of charity, sick. I applied to the Wardens for his relief, 
& to Sisters Allen, Hodges, Mason, Boardman, & Bichardson, & 
Fiske. An uncommon number of cracks in the Earth by the frost. 

[Feb.] 14. Sunday. Notes. David Hilliard & family, Death of 
his Wife. M r Clough Son of a former Sexton, & late Clerk of the 
Episcopal Church rung the Bell at the public worship at the request 



146 DIABY OF [1T90 

of M r English, who is confined by a humour in the leg. The 
weather has become moderate, & we have had Snow this afternoon. 
[134] 15. The public Spirits are much agitated by the late 
proposal of General Knox for the regulation of the Militia from 
Congress. The Ice reached so far, that report says a man went & 
sat upon the Rocks at the mouth of the Harbour called Aquae Vitae. 
A M r Hill says he went within a few yards. M r Gardiner in his 
attack upon the Bal. Call in the General Assembly, when he de- 
clared that it originated under Governor Hutchingson, charged the 
Clergy in a late convention with a purpose to institute a similar 
trial in their own profession. The last Convention chose a Com- 
mittee to report at the next meeting in May, " ways & means to 
prevent illiterate preachers," &c. The Boston Clergy were not so 
unanimously against it as G. represented. M r Eckley voted for it. 
Clarke plead against it. — I have this upon the authority of Rev. E. 
Hubbard. The method of catching Eels upon the Ice has been 
practiced here but a few years. It is now so general that the har- 
bour appears covered with men employed in this way. Muscles too 
are taken from the Banks by removing the Ice at low water. Very 
moderate weather. 

[135] 16. As at p. 126 the regulations of the Long Wharf 
are mentioned, they may be accompanied with the following List 
of Proprietors & their Shares, in the following Order, &c. Order 
by the Committee to warn the Proprietors to meet at M r Samuel 
Robertson's, Feb* 5, 1790 at 6 o'clock P. M. The whole in twenty- 
four Shares. _, 

General John Fiske, 5/24 ths 

Hon : Benj a Lynde Esqr's Estate, 3/24 
M r Thomas Mason, 3/24 

Madam Mary Orne, 2/24 

M r John Norris, 1/24 

M r Jon a A.rcher, 1/24 

Col. Benj a Pickman, 1/24 

Madam Margaret Barton, 1/24 

Estate of Tim & Joseph Orne, 2/24 

Jon a Gardiner Esq r , 1/24 

George Williams Esq r , 3/24 

Cap 1 John Gardiner, 1/24 



24 Shares. 
Jonathan Mason senr. Wharfinger. 
[136] A Crazy man by the name of William Scales came along, 
dispersing Advertisements to The virtuously disposed, begging Char- 
ity for the Town of Bowdoin. He was partly educated at Cam- 
bridge, intimately connected with the Shakers, & preaches through 
the streets. He is decently dressed, has a clear & manly voice, & 
excites public curiosity. Marblehead ever indigent, & ever using 



1790] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 147 

the means to keep themselves in that condition, have offered to 
repeat the exhibitions in the Academy for the benefit of the poor, 
at 3 8 / p r Ticket. In the Gazette they represent that there are now- 
living " no less than four hundred & fifty-nine widows, & eight 
hundred & sixty-five Orphans, five hundred of which are Females." 
Some of them may however be Widows like the woman of Samaria. 
The number of Widows is not a third more than in Salem, & the 
children not being two to a mother, & about one daughter, nothing 
but a characteristic want of economy, even in the worst state of 
the fishery can be the cause of suffering. [137] Saw at Widow 
Hawthorne's an old fashioned Silver Goblet, of one pint measure, 
& 1/2 a dozen Sweet meet Silver Spoons, with Round Ladle Bowls, 
twisted Shafts, & two pronged forks on the Handle. 

17. Snow fell this day, but the water upon the Ground made the 
walking uncomfortable. It is reported that Marblehead have pe- 
titioned against the duty upon Salt. They are exempt from all 
Taxes because of the Poor. The Poor are provided only with an 
house without any accomodations or regulations, &c, &c. The 
noted John Gardner,* whose opposition to the Ball. Call, has turned 
the public attention to him, was a native of Boston, studied Law & 
plead in England. Upon his return he was distinguished by the 
Selectmen of Boston as a proper person to deliver an Oration on the 
Anniversary of Independance 1785. The Oration agrees with the 
present character of the man. It is filled with the most virulent 
abuse of the House of Stuarts, & the distinguished characters in 
favor of Power. It is accompanied with learned but very imperti- 
nent notes respecting the antient constitution & revolutions of G. 
Britain, & the Oration is surcharged with a most disgusting Bom- 
bast. [138] M r Derby sent to Hardy, London, for an elegant 
Library of six hundred Books. The Catalogue was not so perfect 
as it might have been with more consideration, but the Books came 
over in 1783 in excellent order. 

18. On Tuesday last the Officers from Danvers, Beverley, & Mid- 
dleton chose the field Officers of their Militia, & hereby compleat 
the Brigade — Chosen in this Town. In the District Court is to be 
heard the Causes of several Vessels entering after the first of Au- 
gust in the State Naval [139] Office, but as Officers were not ap- 
pointed in the Federal Office, paid no duties. A Captain Saunders 
also is to be heard respecting a false Entry. The Independant So- 
ciety under Rev d Hopkins having tried the boasted experiment of 
paying as they pleased without success have petitioned to be incor- 
porated in order to pay a tax upon pews as in the other houses in 
the Town. It is to be wished experience would correct other errors. 

19. Last evening returned a Vessel from the W. Indies, belonging 
to W m Orne, whose master Hugh Smith died abroad. He has left 

•See Loring's Hundred Boston Orations, p. 168. 



148 DIARY OF [1790 

children with a Second Wife. Benj* Goodhue Esq r has erected a 
monument upon his Tomb, on Pickering's Hill, of an oval figure 
about 4 feet by 6, & about 4 feet high. The stone which stands up- 
on the arch is the common hewn stone of Danvers, & is solid. The 
Stone upon which the Inscription is made is a 4 inch Slate, & 
worked off at the oblong ends, with a death Head below. It does 
not please the eye, resembling a millstone, being unusually low, & 
the slope of the Slate favoring such an appearance. He is our Mem- 
ber at Congress. 

[140] Feb. 20. The Officers chosen in the Militia last Tuesday 
were Col. Foster of Danvers, Lieu. Col. Francis of Beverly,Major 
Peabody of Middleton. Went to Beverley, & accompanied by Capt 
Ashton I visited all their wharves. I did not see one square rigged 
Vessel in their Harbour. The Fishermen were endeavoring to float 
their Vessels, which in their phrase were "beneaped." The Harbour 
was entirely free from Ice, while our wharves are yet encumbered 
in want of a wind to carry it off from above the Point. Beverley & 
Manchester have petitioned to be separate Kegiment from Danvers 
& Middleton. Manchester formerly belonged to Cape Ann Regi- 
ment, but being disgusted upon the late popular election of Officers, 
seperated. From a similar cause they wish to connect themselves 
only with Beverley. The only point now disputed is, which Regi- 
ment shall have the first rank, be the fifth or sixth Regiment of the 
Brigade. [141] It is said the Marblehead Exhibition last Thursday 
night procured the poor the sum of one hundred Dollars, after all 
charges. The performances were George Barnwell, The Haunted 
House, & Recruiting Officer. 

21. Sunday. Snow fell in the morning — dined with Col. Pickman. 
News that Cap* Spence Hall of this end of the Town has lost both 
his Vessel & Cargo upon Cape Hatteras as you enter upon the Caro- 
lina Coast. The Vessel belonged % to the Cap 1 , who has insured 
£150. The other third to James Becket, who has not insured. 
The Vessel was taken by execution from N. Silsbee. 

[142] Feb. 22. D r E. Leonard, who lives with D r Holyoke has 
favored me with the following account of the Cold Weather this 
season from the Dr's course of observations. 

January 3, 1790. The Thermometer being hung on the north side 
of the House, was 52° -f- Farenheit's Scale at 2 o'clock P. M. 

February 9 th , 1790. The mean heat of the day was 1° -|- taken 
by the same measure & at the same place. And on the same day 
at noon the Thermometer stood at 4° -f- as low as perhaps ever was 
known in this country at the same time of the day. 



1790] 



REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 



149 



O v 

SSL 


3 

b 
.O 

fa 


s 

a 

s 


Q 

O 
■w"u5S 
e4 © . 

> 


o 


o 

a 

OS 


■M 

e 

© . 

o . 
**< 


Wind & Weather. 


b 


6 


3° 


6° 


12° 


10° 


6° 


N. W., fair, cloudy. 


(v) 


7 


5° 


12° 


26° 


25° 


28° 


S. W., fair, snow. 


D 


8 




25° 


20° 


13° 


4° 


1ST. W., fair, dry. 


<? 
5 


9 
10 


1° 
10° 


0° 
3° 


6° 
12° 


1° 
9° 


3° 
3° 


N., cloudy. 

N. W., fair, dry. 


2 


11 


5° 


8° 


18° 


10° 


3° 


W., fair, dry, Aur. Bor. 


? 


12 


3° 


2° 


16° 


13° 


6° 


N. W., fair, dry. 


h 


13 


2° 


8° 


23° 


20° 


12° 


K W. S. W., fair, dry, 
Aur. Bor. 



Feb. 25. Last Evening before 7 o'clock a fire broke out in the Barn 
belonging to the Estate of Kichard Derby Esq r deceased in the North 
Parish of Beverley. The Estate is known by the name of Brown's 
folly from the House formerly standing on the top of the Hill, & 
now moved near the road. It was afterwards the property of one 
Willard, & Fairweather, who disposed of it in divisions on the South 
Side of the Road to R. Derby including the Mansion House, & on 
the North side to Col. Thorndike of Beverley. All the Cattle, Hay 
& contents of the Barn were consumed, damage exceeding £300. 
About 2\ miles geog: north of Salem, 4 measured miles. 

34. Upon being weighed I found the Corpus 205 lb. It is said 
that the last session of the Episcopal Convention was committed to 
the press in the middle of last month, several months after the Con- 
vention rose. The Clamours of Gay & Duane's party may have 
occasioned this, while any unnecessary delays on the part of the 
Convention give an unfair appearance to their proceedings. This 
is but conjecture. 

[144] 25. An uncommonly pleasant day. Upon examination 
there are above 70 Widows within the former limits of the East 
Parish. My last list of Widows is 49, worshipping in the East 
Meeting House. M r H. Derby, Col. Pickman, & Cap 1 West went to 
Boston to see the Ship Massachusetts, 850 Ton launched last fall at 
German Town, Braintree, now ready to sail for the Indies, M r Job 
Prince, Commander, M r Shaw, Supercargo, &c. She is generally 
praised as a fine Ship, p. 164* 

26. I dined with D r Holyoke, & after dinner I went to Driver's 
Lane, vulgarly Cape Driver, to Mr Kilham's a Mechanic who is 
making the Jennies for the Duck manufactory. In Boston each 
spinner has a child to turn the wheel, which carries two spindles. 
M r Blodget invented for the Duck manufactory at Haverhill a ma- 
chine to carry three setts of spindles by one wheel, & the spindles 

•Original pagination. 



150 DIARY OF [1790 

are all set with false spindles of a greater diameter, which by means 
of a button below can be raised to take the band off of each sett by 
itself, should the thread break, and the spindles which are of greater 
diameter, serve by the slower motion [145] to assist learners. The 
Button is managed at any distance by a cord, which passes directly 
over the head of the Spinner. It is fixed at one end of the button, & 
a weight at the other, by two pegs its motion is confined & the bal- 
ance of the weight is removed by pulling the cord. M r Kilham has 
increased the setts from three to six, the wheel to move in the middle. 
The band is kept tight by a weight, which moves a trundle at the 
end. The spindles are in a serpentine line, & he proposes to add 
six setts more on the opposite side. The motion is easy of the 
whole, the six to be added are to play above the Band. 

27. I attended the Funeral of Edmond Henfield who was a mem- 
ber of the East Church, but by great infirmity has not been able to 
attend Public worship for many years. He left the old church in 
the dissentions respect 8 Rev. S. Fiske. 

28. Sunday. Yesterday I attended & Christened two children of 
Mr E. Phippen. The first time of christening children, except on 
Sunday. 

[146] March 1, 1790. Drafted a Petition in favor of Capt Ash- 
ton, &c. to Selectmen of Salem, remonstrating against the State of 
the New Road, leading to Essex Bridge. 

2. The Federal District Court for the first time opened this day 
in Salem. The Hon : John Lowell, Judge. The Hon : Jona Jack- 
son, Marshall. Nathan Goodall, Clerk. Col. Sam : Bradford, Dep- 
uty Marshall. Hon : Christopher Gore, Attorney. The Judge 
addressed the Jury in an excellent manner, & Rev d Hopkins prayed. 

3. The Jury sat all last night upon a Seizure & could not agree, 
& were dismissed this morning. M r Phippen buried two children 
in one procession, the first instance within my own knowledge. Both 
carried in Chaises. Another Jury was collected from the Town 
who decided upon the short entry, & whether the entries at the 
State Offices were valid for the Continental Office after the Consti- 
tution of the States took place, but before the appointment of offi- 
cers, & decided both points at once without hesitation. Such are 
our Juries, & this is the specimen given to us at the first Court, in 
which Mr. Parsons of Newbury seems to have an unbounded influ- 
ence. 

[147] 4. A Chimney belonging to Cap 1 J. Gardiner took fire, 
it being a very windy day, & it burnt with great fury. It has com- 
munication with one of your Open Stoves called Philadelphian. 
This shows the need of these Franklin Stoves, in which by lamina 
over & under which the smoke passing into the Chimney, the soot 
is detained in the Stove, & can be cleansed from the lamina upon 
which it lodges. The Ventilator on the side makes the passage 
easy for the smoak. 



1790] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 151 

5. General Catalogue of Social Library in Salern, as taken from 
L. Books [appearing in the original is here omitted.]. This Cata- 
logue is taken almost literally from the Catalogue shewn me in the 
Library by Master Noyes (& tho' it is very badly arranged), being 
short, it may be read over in a few minutes. The Library has 
been collected for some time. There have been no additions to it 
since the War, deserving of notice. In the War a Library includ- 
ing Phil. Transactions, &c. was taken, going to Canada, which has 
laid the foundation of a distinct Philosophical Library & this is the 
object of present attention. 

[158] 6. Capt Strout & Ives arrived at Boston, & returned to 
their families, leaving their Vessels in Nantasket Road. The mate 
left Ives' Vessel & went to dine on board with Strout's mate in the 
same Road, the wind rose on the 4 th , & he could not return. 
Strout's Vessel parted one of her cables, & they were obliged to 
put out, & arrived at Cape Ann. Ives outrode the Storm. 

[Mar.] 7. Sunday. Notes. Wid : H. Cloutman & children for her 
sick. Mr. Ward sung alone at the Communion. 

8. Attended the Annual Town Meeting for the choice of Officers, 
& heard a lengthy debate on the Subject of encroachments from 
the Wharves which project too far into the Channel. The princi- 
pal Gentlemen appeared interested. M r Derby, E. H. declared that 
as a Committee had been chosen to draw a line, & that line had 
been approved in a full & legal Town Meeting, the existence of the 
Channel required that the measure should not be rescinded. Gen. 
Eiske advanced that the Flats at the settlement of the Town were 
reserved to the Town & that at very antient reviews made, the right 
of the Town had been acknowledged. An Instance was brought 
in Woodbridge's Wharf, which being found without a grant of the 
flats, the Town was for a certain con- [159] sideration induced to 
grant the possession. M r R. Ward & Pearce, who were the 
aggressors replied. M r Ward, that no objections had been regularly 
entered ag : said Wharves while in building, & therefore the remov- 
al of them ought not to be solicited, whatever future measures 
might be taken to prevent incroachments. M r Pearce presented a 
memorial, & declares that he is convinced of a partiality in the 
proceedings. That the Committee report as they do, " to avoid the 
sacrifice of property." Why not of his property, as well as of other 
men. Was M r Gray's wharf less in the way up than his ? Was M r 
Gray's less an incroachment? Was the obstruction greater on 
account of the width of the Channel at his Wharf than M r W m Gray's? 
M r S. Ward said, he had drawn up a petition ag : said wharves, 
while building, but from some neglect, a great number did not sign 
it. His opinion must then be well known. Still he was of the 
opinion the prosecution was partial. M r E. H. Derby spake again, 
that the Town had already declared their sense that the encroach- 
ments were alarming, that they had chosen disinterested men to 



152 DIARY OF [1790 

judge [160] what line was necessary to be run to preserve a chan- 
nel, & that the Town, or individuals ought to indemnify individual 
sufferers. The Vote was taken, & two thirds were for rescind 8 . 
M r Jos. Ward, & W m Orne however continue the Prosecution, upon 
the Bill of the Grand Jury. 

9. I applied to Rev d M r Prince & paid the delinquencies upon 
D r Joseph Orne's right in the Philosophical Library, arising from 
Purchases made since the original purchase. The sum was £ 1. 7. 9. 
By payment of nine pounds more, I enter for a Share in said 
Library. The Library shares have not been sold so high but being 
very fond of D r Orne, who left very little to his children & at a 
time when Money was not at its present exchange, I promised to 
take the share, & I am bound by honor. 

March 10. News from Kenrick on the N. W. Coast of America, 
dated at Nootka, July, 1780. In the Ship Columbia, with Sloop 
Washington. 

11. The deepest Snow which we have had through the year, im- 
mediately after a second cold spell of weather. Last evening D r 
Bernard visited me in form, and I — forgot myself, as usual. 

[161] 12. A Certificate from the New York Marine Society. In 
the form, it is expressed, that the Candidate " was by a majority of 
Votes regularly admitted." signed Sect — President. 

In a proper foliage Sinist. over. A Ship safely arrived, & land- 
ing its men from the Ship's Boat. On the Shore Commerce holding 
an Atlas, & an Hadley's compass, as well as the Marine Compass 
laying on the ground. A Woman holding in her right hand a 
Globe, seven stars round her head, pointing with her left to the 
Atlas. Another hold a Goblet, & the Commander of the Vessel 
coming up. 

dext. sup. A Ship lost in a Storm, a dead mariner extended on 
the Shore, the wife, son & daughter lamenting him in exquisite 
grief. Hope leaning On her Anchor pointing to the Roll, on which 
is inscribed in large characters New York Marine Society. The 
Roll is supported & unfolded by a Widow, her little son looking 
over it with joy, & showing it, while an infant sets near feeding it- 
self from its bounty. 

Sinist. infra. An Indian leaning extending his hands with a 
Bow in one, & an arrow in the other. A Scull at his feet, & an 
arrow, & a Beaver passing. The Scene is a Cataract, A Pine, 
Rocks, & a Rivulet run 8 . 

Dext. infra. A prospect of the City of New York. Ships en- 
tering the Port, & a Sloop sailing out. [162] In the middle below 
the Society Seal in Red Wax. On the left sits Charity extending 
a Cup, & opposite is a Widow with her children. The Motto is in 
English And to Charity, Knowledge, below is Mar. Soc. of N. Y. 

March 13. Last evening M r Briggs* the Superintendant of the 

♦Essex Institute Hist. Colls, vol. VI. p. 174. 



1790] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 153 

Ship yard, & his Brother gave us their company at the Singing 
School. The Brother was approved as a good Singer. In addition 
to the Certificate of New York Marine Society, I put that of 
Charlestown, S. Carolina. In front was an Hospital with wings, & 
a pleasant Area before it. On the left above was the English word 
Education, & beneath it A Twig growing, & guarded by pales. 
Education with a bunch of twigs in her hand, a child reading at her 
right side, covered at the waist. A Kay of light descending on her 
head. And a City behind her at a distance. On the right above 
was the word Study, & represented by a Student setting & writing, 
with a large Library before him & a pendant Lamp burning. A 
Cook standing by. On the left below, word, Hospitality, she is rep- 
resented standing, with plenty, a youth having a conucopia full, & 
scattering flowers. Distressed age upon its knees, the Shepherd's 
crook & cup supported. A cottage at a distance behind. [163] On 
the right below Word Charity, represented giving suck to an infant, 
& having two children at her knees. A flame on the head, the 
Country behind. The Seal, in red wax. A Hand hold g a Shoot 
with the Roots filled with the Soil. A wreath, plain, within which 
is the motto. Posteritati Foliage. The Certificate is signed by the 
Steward on the right, & the Clerk above on the left. This may 
be seen at Capt. E. Allen's senior. The New York one at Capt 
Jon a Mason's senior. 

[Mar.] 14. Sunday. Notes. B. Browne for Wife's delivery, Broth- 
er at Sea. Joseph Joy, for Wife's delivery. Reproved publickly 
in the Congregation a Whispering heard in the Galleries. Persons 
Sick. Widow Hannah Cloutman. Eliz : Wife of Jon a Mason jun r . 
Wife of M r Lane. 

15. Reports of the melancholy event at Boston respecting the 
Wife of the celebrated D r Danforth. A Brother is now delirious, & 
another sometime since put an end to his life. The Sister after de- 
livery a few days, went into an upper chamber & covering her head 
with a Petticoat, leaped from the window to the Ground. She had 
made several attempts to distroy life before. She is in a way to 
recover. [164] The admeasurement of the Ship Massachusetts as 
given in the Worcester Gazette of March 11, is 137 feet 7 inches 
long. 36 feet broad. 18 feet deep. 791 Tons & 23 feet burden 
by admeasurement. 

[165] 16. The Governor's Proclaim : put into the Gazette as an 
article of News by Extract, without date or acknowledgement of his 
authority in calling for a public fast. Into what follies does the 
liberty of action betray Republics ? 

17. In reading H. Walpole's Catalogue of Noble Authors, I find 
the name of our family which curiosity leads me to trace. Vol. 2 d 
searching for letters of Lady Abergavenny they were found in a 
Book. p. 179. "The monument of Matrons containing several Lamps 
of Virginity, or distinct Treatises compiled by THOMAS BENT- 



154 DIARY OF [1790 

LEY," black letter, no date. Under Lord Cutts. p. 245 some po- 
etical exercises are said to be licensed. "Lond. printed for R. Bent- 
ley & S. Magnes in Russel Street in Covent Garden 1687." 

18. In the Worcester Gazette is an authenticated account of a 
person cutting down an hollow Tree, in which were found a large 
number of swallows in a torpid state, the quantity was said to be 
two barrels, but that upon being carried near the fire they speedily 
revived, & soon flew about the house. A late memoir in the first 
Volume of the American Academy respecting swallows being found 
in the water, has made this a subject of enquiry. 

[166] 19. Report says that Rev d D. Oliver of Beverley has been 
taken by a writ of defamation for saying to the man whose barn 
was burnt the 22 d ult. Why did you set your barn on fire ? Oliver 
is resolute, & the man has utterly refused to own that a candle or 
fire had been near for a fortnight. Oliver forms his plea on a vin- 
dication of his neighbours who must have been malicious, if Porter's 
own family did not occasion the fire. By giving advice to a married 
woman against dancing, I have given rise to a general report, of in- 
terference, rash council, &c. Isaiah says in such cases, your strength 
is to set still. The case was, she was never taught to dance while 
young, & now mixes with young, & very mixed companies in her 
husband's absence. 

20. Yesterday the painful news was brought that the Stern of a 
Vessel marked the "Abigail of Salem''' had driven ashore on Cape 
Ann. She is supposed to have been wrecked on the evening of 
Tuesday last in a flight of Snow, & upon the Rock of Thacher's 
Island called the Londoner. The commander was T. Stevens, a 
young man of the Parish, whose Wife is near delivery & has two 
young children. The Mate M r S. Welman is promised in marriage, 
& several families are involved [167] in the distress. The Owner 
R. Leach has gone in a Sloop to make further discoveries. Upon 
M r Leach's return the Vessel is ascertained. The Stern had come 
ashore on the main, the M. mast had been taken up at Squam, & 
one mast was brought into this port. The Cables & Anchor were 
saved, the boat not found nor any of the Cargo, Chests, &c. 

21. Sunday. A M r Gideon Batchelor in his own name presented 
a petition to be read for a Contribution to relieve him under the 
distresses of the late fire in Beverley, stating his loss at three hun- 
dred dollars, & mention g the Articles — but the Wardens did not 
agree that it should be read without a recommendation from the 
Selectmen, & then not until some measures were taken to assist the 
Widow Stevens in her bereaved & distressed condition. Anecdote. 
As I had frequenly been interrupted by the young man who has 
taken lead in our singing by talking aloud, humming, whispering, 
&c. I heard a sound, which resembled the same noise, & taking it 
to be the same disorder, I stopped & reproved it. But it proved to 
be the sound of the Town Bull. The young man, tho not called by 



1790] REV. "WILLIAM BENTLEY 155 

name has returned me the Pipe, & Psalm Book, the last I have sent 
to Uncle Diman. 

[168] 22. The Business of little minds the Bull of yesterday. One 
would at first be surprised to find no greater expansion of Soul, than 
to spend a whole day in conversing about & laughing at a mistake, 
which the PUBLIC VICES occasioned. M r Harris with me, who 
is assisting M r Smith the Librarian, in digesting a compleat Cata- 
logue of the Library in Cambridge. M r Sewall is upon the Oriental 
Literature. 

23. Information from Cambridge that my friend Winthrop had 
employed his singular abilities upon the Revelation of John. Ac- 
cording to the account I received he has not touohed the supposed 
history of the period included in the life of the writer, but about 
the fourth chapter in a paraphrase, illustrated by General History, 
Coins, &c, has shewn the History of the Church till the present 
period. A Presumptive argument of the nature of the work is 
taken from the particular politics of the Author, which find a place 
in the Paraphrase, which explains the agreement with present times. 
I wrote a Letter to M r Winthrop, expressing my fears that he had 
attempted impossibilities. 

[170] 24. Applied to Capt Curtis, one of the men engaged to work 
upon M r Derby's Ship, to assist in our singing, offering him an ade- 
quate consideration. He gave encouragement, & will be with us on 
the next meeting, to give a direct answer. Capt Becket went with 
me on the occasion. 

25. A Funeral* attended this day quite in the country fashion, some 
bewailing dirty stockings, & standing in the way of others. Some 
calling to others in the procession, to consult whether they had 
better proceed. Some endeavoring to follow recalled by others, & 
the porters hasting on to finish the scene. 

[171] 26. The Funeral. 

On Thursday, when t'was very muddy 
And friends & all were in a hurry, 
The Funeral from the eastward moves, 
The end forgot, — to save their shoes. — 
The lusty porters quicken pace, 
The women following in the race ; 
One drops a shoe, one dirts a stocking, 
The neighbours to the windows flocking, 
One lays a board across the gutters, 
And all around the mud he spatters. 
One cries, I'll not another step — 
Another has her partner left. 

*Of widow Mary Cloutruan? 



156 DIARY OF [1790 

The Pall hangs dangling on the ground, 

And not an holder can be found. 

The justling crowd together meet, 

The children gather in the street, 

The matrons wise, who hear the chatter, 

Run out, & cry, Lord, what's the matter? 

The frightened priest runs over shoes in 

Supposing they had dropt the coffin. 

The Coffin safe, he gives direction, 

Of Lanes to make a new election. 

Quite out of breath, close by the Pump, 

They run in turn & take a jump, 

And hie them home to shift their cloaths 

And part like friends at Aunt Gibaut's. 

So Boys pursued, run down a Lane 

And leap a fence, & run again : 

The wondering neighbours run at doors — 

And cry, what's that ? — The Boys — 
[172] The M r Brigs attended our School this evening. We are 
in hopes from the promise of Capt Curtis that he will attend after 
he has been home as he expressed it, to get some cloathes. 

27. The Season very open, & boats out in every place, successful 
in taking the flat fish, with which our harbour abounds. The Keel 
of Derby's Ship is laid already. General anxiety to know whether 
the whole Government concur in assuming the State debts. The 
first Sill of the Duck House* laid upon the northern wall, which 
alone is now finished. At Beverley the Deacon was solicitous with 
a certain Clergyman to read a certain Psalm. How pleased & blest 
was I. The Psalm being found, & read the following parody was 
written on the Deacon's motion. 

How pleased & blest was I, 
To make the people cry, 
This mighty deed their favor gains. 
May God grant me power 
To lengthen prayer an hour, 
And have a parish for my pains. 
This has often been a subordinate wish. 

[173] 28. Sunday. Mary Stevens, for sudden death of her Hus- 
band, &Brother at Sea. Marcy Welman, with her children, sudden 
death of two sons & son at Sea. Mary Valpy with children, d. of 
Son Stevens & son at Sea. Hannah Webb, d. of Sister in Law 
Cloutman & prayers for sons at Sea. Stephen Cloutman & Wife, d. 
of his mother & Brother at Sea. Benj* Cloutman & wife, d. of his 
mother. Wid. H. Cloutman, d. of Mother in Law & Son at Sea. 
Mary Cloutman & Sister, d. of their Mother. A very pleasant day. 

•Manufactory for sail clotb, Broad street. 



1790] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 157 

29. Proposals for a Medal of General Washington. Attempts to 
excite uneasiness respecting the appointment of a Fast by the sole 
authority of this State. It is viewed politically. The Church of 
England object that the day assigned is in the middle of Easter 
Week, a time appropriated for General joy. The papers are not 
without proof of the ferment. 

[174] 30. A M r Knowlton formerly of Ipswich, Carpenter, 
absconded, & this day his father removed the family. M r Hovey's 
Store was broken open near the Long Wharf, & goods taken to the 
supposed amount of £12. No discovery as yet of the Offender. M r 
Tread well, formerly Minister of Lynn thought of as Senator, & 
Richard Manning, Esq 1- . 

31. A full confirmation of the Loss of the Vessel navigated by, 
& partly belonging to, Cap 1 Spence Hall upon N. Carolina reefs. 
The Other part belonged to M r James Becket. Hall's Insurance 
exceeds £140. Pickman & Dodge. 

April 1. The Ship Massachusetts sailed from Boston last Sunday, 
& saluted the Castle as she passed. Hon. S. Shaw, Consul at China 
on board. The highest ecomiums are lavished upon her. The at- 
tention to Lotteries is so great that a Gazette extraordinary was 
printed this day in this town to announce the fortunate members in 
the first Class of Marblehead Lottery. The effects are already vis- 
ible, the poorest people are spending their time & interest to pur- 
chase Tickets, & already the number of Lotteries are sufficient with 
their schemes to fill a Gazette. The State, Charlestown, Williams- 
ton, Lancaster, Marblehead Lotteries are in this day's print [175] 
and all are to draw within a month. Their Schemes included the 
the following sums. 

Marblehead, Class 1 

" 2 

« 3 

" 4 
Charlestown, Class thirteenth, 
Lancaster, Class fourteenth, 

Williamston, Class sixth, 

STATE LOTTERY, CLASS FIRST, 
Sum in this Commonwealth at the present 
time, & but at the commencement of the 
Career, according to appearances, 

The professed object at Charlestown is to repair the Streets of a 
Town, which was destroyed by the War. At Williamston to pro- 
vide a free School. At Lancaster to repair Bridges swept away in 
a late freshet. At Marblehead to secure their Causeway leading to 
the Neck, & save the Harbour, & of the State to pay the State 
Debts. The sale is amazing rapid, hundreds sell at a time for spec- 
ulation, & there is hardly a person who is not an adventurer & 



4,000 


dollars 


6,000 


n 


10,000 


ii 


19,000 


n 


7,000 


« 


6,000 


n 


7,000 


tt 


15,000 


it 


39,000 dollars. 



158 DIARY OP [1790 

sometimes large parties biry conjointly so as to pay themselves their 
money again. 

[176] 2. The vile old man, who involved me in a former diffi- 
culty, has insinuated, so as to form a report that a married woman 
under our roof is with child. So tender are the people here of rep- 
utations. Another worthy woman of the same family has been 
reported as frequently intoxicated, & the relations threaten highly 
the person who may be detected as the author of the reports. 

3. Spent the day in Beverley at M r Homan's at whose house I 
tarried while I was a Candidate in Beverly. Had conversation with 
G. Cabot. Saw M r Dane, our Senator, late member of Congress. 
He has been on a late committee for proposed amendments of the 
Constitution, measures which were not popular, as the amendments 
were rejected at the proposal. This M r Dane is considered as a sett 
Man. He is not talkative, but fixed in maintaining an opinion, 
which he has advanced. When at College he was Mathematical 
Thesis Collector. He collected several rejected Cartesian Hypoth- 
eses. D r Winthrop told him that the design of the publication was 
to shew the progress of knowledge, & that such theses could not 
answer the end. He refused to exchange them, & finally the D r 
thought himself obliged to prepare theses to substitute in the 
places of those, which he had refused to accept. 

[177] [Apr.] 4. Sunday. Notes. William King for Wife's 
delivery & Brethren at Sea. Sick. M" Nesbitt, & M" Smith, Widow. 
When sick is put at the end of a Line or begin 8 it denotes persons, 
who have not put up Notes. Wife of Micah Webb. The measles 
have been round us, but only a single person has had them as yet 
in our families. 

5. Proposals for printing a little Tract belonging to Emlyn. 
This Arian Piece is engaged at Hall's Office, Boston, & several 
thousand Copies subscribed for. It is designed openly to affront 
the belief of the Doctrine of the Trinity. ; A Woolen Manufacturer 
established at Watertown by Faulkner & Co., & have already made 
2,000 yards of Cloth. At Hawkes' Mill, Reading, 8,000 yards of 
Woolen Cloth are annually fulled & dressed for the neighbouring 
country. Nails & Wool Cards are made in sufficient quantities for 
exportation. ~lM r Gul lager, of Boston has compleated a Bust of Gen- 
eral Washington in Plaster of Paris, as large as Life. 

[178] 6. The Assumption of the State Debts has been nega- 
tive in the House of Representatives by a small majority. This 
is a subject of much speculation. The Gazettes however encourage 
the public that a future resolution of the House may quiet all 
fears. 

7. The Duck House is up & covered. 

8. The Fast appointed by the Governor. Contribution £7, 10, 0. 

9. A M r Jarvis, past 50 years, perished in the Snow on Tuesday 
night by intoxication. He was passing from Salem to Marblehead, 



1790] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 159 

his home. Master Moody, who has long been the Preceptor of the 
Dummer Academy in Newbury, has resigned that Trust, by a spec- 
ial agreement with the trustees, & has been among his friends to 
take leave, as he retires to York in the Province of Maine. He has 
been the Preceptor to many of our most distinguished Characters, 
but has been subject to those delirious animal weaknesses, which 
have marked the family, & which increase often in age. He is a 
Batchelor. The Academy once crowded with Students is now 
evacuated, & the neighbouring Academy of Andover is most fre- 
quented. A new appointment may make another alteration. 

[179] 10. M r Hovey found the goods mentioned 30 ult. at 
Middleton. They were sold, & the offenders have escaped towards 
Boston. 

11. Ventured to preach on the nature & extent of Christ's 
Commission respecting the forgiveness of Sin. Sunday. 

12. The Ship of M r E. H. Derby was raised this day, & the 
Stern post transoms, &c. erected, &c. 

13. A Brig commanded by Capt. H. White, & the property of 
his Brother Joseph White put in upon a voiage from N. Carolina 
to Europe, with a load of Corn, which had sweated on the Voiage, 
& is much damaged. The quantity was 8,000 Bushels. The Great 
demand of Grain in Europe has occasioned great exportation. This 
painful accident to the Owner, has given an occasion to the people 
at large to hope that the damage to the Corn will detain it in our 
own market, and they expect it will materially affect the Market. 
I spent this day agreeably at M" Dane's in Beverley. In the 
morning with several Ladies I visited Woodberry's Head, & the 
noted Willow Grove belonging to Hale's Estate. The Grove is be- 
low the house near the Shore. It is nearly surrounded by a pond 
of fresh water, which is seperated [180] from the Sea, only by the 
Beach thrown up by the Sea, through which Beach when the earth 
is full of water a rivulet runs to the Sea. The Grove is upon the 
■skirts of a conical hill which the pond surrounds except on the part 
towards the Town. 

April 14. This day in Gen. Fiske's store I gave M r W m Orne a 
note for £9, which entitled me to the Share which his Brother D r 
Joseph Orne had in the Philosophical Library in this Town. An 
exorbitant price amounting almost to the cost at a Vendue-Sale of 
the whole Library, taken by a Privateer in the war. I was betrayed 
into this unprof : bargain by a Rev d Librarian to increase the val- 
ue of his Library. It is not the first time I have been betrayed by 
men of that profession. News that Isaac Bradish of Cambridge 
put an end to his life. The circumstances are not known. He 
appeared to be a worthy man upon a long neighbourly acquaintance. 
Strange infatuation. In the Ship above the apron Mr Derby has 
ordered three pieces across, bolted to the stem, increasing as they 
rise, for the greater security of the stem. They are fayed to the 



160 DIARY OF [1790 

stem which enters several inches, & they exceed a foot square, & 
above three feet long. 

[181] 15. Called upon Rev d Prince, Librarian, and took a 
Catalogue of the PHILOSOPHICAL LIBRARY, as follows: 
[appearing in the original but omitted here.] exceeding 200 
Volumes. 

16. A great number of hands employed in repairing the new 
Road to the Bridge. The Earth is dug in trenches on each side, & 
thrown into the middle, & upon the highest land a foot path is left 
near the fences & walks. Woodbridge is running his stonewall 
upon the strait line from Simons's, & we have good hopes that the 
road will be pleasant. The Ship goes on fast. The Delay of pine 
timber from the eastward, enabled to get the frames finished, which 
they have raised without accident. The Corn will be saved which 
was brought in & principal part be fit for market. Several Bank- 
rupcies in Marblehead. Joshua & Azor Orne, & Gatchell. 

[184.] 17. The opposition on the part of the Southern States to 
the assumption of the State Debts occasions a great ferment, and 
we are told that parties in the House of Representatives are as high, 
as they can be among their Constituents. It is pretended that the 
northern states having urged the Slavery Bill, laid the foundation 
of such bitter animosities. 

19. Last evening & night a Storm of Wind & Rain. The Sun 
rose bright, but was soon shut in. A New Light Preacher from 
Maine has appeared at Beverley by the name of Snow. He was for- 
merly an abandoned, & prophane man, but since by inward light he is 
converted into an extravagant ranter against unconverted Clergy, 
&c. He is entirely destitute of learning, which he disclaims, & has 
no other recommendation than impudence & strong passions can 
give him. He exhorted last friday evening at Capt. Giles' in Bev- 
erley & has since been employed in the same way. [185] At New 
Mills* an Abijah Crosman from Rowley has distinguished himself 
in the same way & renews his monthly visits, occasionally visiting 
Salem, & preaching in private houses. The New Light preachers 
of the Town have become less industrious, since the religious fer- 
ment has inclined some of their adherents to the Anabaptist opinions, 
which may occasion, unless seasonably checked, a new Meeting 
House. When party views so plainly operate upon these men who 
preach without hire, how can men be blind to the effect of selfish 
principles ? It is our misfortune in Essex to feel severely the con- 
sequences of measures adopted by men called Hopkintonians, whose 
leading maxim is to embitter the minds of men, by the fear of dan- 
gerous delusions from all other men but themselves, having neither 
system, nor reputation to support them. Spring is their head at 
Newbury, & the only quiet one in his own congregation which is 

•Danversport. 



1790] JiEV. WILLIAM BBNTLET 161 

the smallest in Newbury Port. Parish, in Newbury, is opposed by 
a Majority. Bradford at Rowley is not established by a Presby- 
terian ordination, & is an exceptionable character among his party. 
Hopkins of Salem is a cunning man, Spaulding a very weak one. 
Their Marblehead Society is at present lost after most unhappy 
dissentions. [186] Cleveland of Ipswich is old, & of little conse- 
quence. In the parts of Middlesex bordering upon us these enthu- 
siasts abound. Cleveland's Son, a Lieutenant in the Army, with- 
out education, is at Stoneham. At Reading they are preparing to 
settle one against a powerful opposition. M r Prentice must soon 
quit, as they have rendered him so unhappy by a party in his own 
parish. Judson has become uncomfortable at Maiden who is one of 
these Schemers. Several Clergymen of inferior abilities settled 
near them, are suffering from the exertions of this party. In truth 
we are in a religious ferment as to one part of the Community near 
us, while in the other there is an abundant liberality in some, licen- 
tiousness in many others, & a few in different religious opinions, 
who lead quiet & peaceable lives in godliness & honesty. It is full 
time that the civil power should view all opinions as harmless, & 
that good men should by precept & example place the greatest 
stress upon sober maxims of life. A Hopkintonian is respectable 
if not uncharitable. There always has been a sect to whom un- 
charitableness seems particularly to have belonged. Once it was 
the Anabaptists but they have now risen to some importance & can 
subsist without it. It is now left to others, who are struggling to 
rise. 

[187] 20. Last night the house of Capt Gibaut was broken open. 
Forcible entrance was made by a window. They ransacked the 
lower part of the house, & even lodged a fork taken from the win- 
dow upon the bed of a person asleep. They carried off Plate, 
exceeding £20 in value, besides Linen to considerable amount. 
Town Watch dismissed night preceeding. 

21. From Barnard's Charge to M r Whitwell, his Colleague, M r 
Samuel Chever first preached in Marblehead, Novr. 1668, & was 
ordained 13 Aug., 1684. That M r Bernard preached first 11 July, 
1714, & was ordained 18 July, 1716. From M r Whitwell's Funer- 
al Sermon it appears that M r Bernard died 24 Jan y 1770, aged 88, 
& healthy through life. M r Bours Episcopal Minister there, died 
after nine years ministry 24 Feb y 1762, aet 36. 

[188] A Letter from M r Thayer a Romish Missionary request- 
ing the names of the Catholics, a proper place for lodgings, & noti- 
fying his intentions to say mass, & preach in Salem, asking a 
convenient place of worship. I communicated it to the Selectmen 
of this part of the Town, & to such persons as would probably make 
it public. 

22. I went up into the Great Pasture to see the opening of the 
Great Swamp. This Swamp is 1/2 mile long nearly north & south 



162 DIARY OF [1790 

& of unequal width from half q : to a quarter of a mile. It has 
been drowned for several years with an intention to kill the brush 
with which it abounds, & afterwards to drain it for pasturage. 
This day was appointed to open the Sluice, & break the Causeway, 
which was done about ten o'clock. The seine was broken by the 
violence of the water, which was at 12 feet depth in the middle of 
the Swamp. A large concourse of people, particularly children, col- 
lected on the occasion to see the fishing. But the water was not 
sufficiently drained in the morning, & a Thunder Shower came over 
which dispersed us at noon. The children caught very many little 
eels & a small fish 2 inches which has at the navel, head fins & 
back several thorns which makes me call it Thorn Fish. [189] In 
looking for a root called, Dragon Root, I found very many horn 
snails 1/2 inch in circumference, & several lizards (Newts) with 
four legs like the Guiana, about 4 inches long. In the afternoon I 
found the water had lowered, but considerable quantity still re- 
mained. No large fish appeared at the sluice, but many very small 
ones. M r Deland thinks that the swamp includes about 60 acres. 
It must exceed that quantity. 

23. Letter in answer to M r Thayer, Priest. Rev. Sir. I have 
received yours of the 15 th instant. It is my desire that every man 
enjoy his religion not by toleration, but as the inalienable right of 
his nature. I communicated your letter to two of the Selectmen, & 
assure you of the fullest protection our internal police can give you. 
As to Lodgings, should you call on me, I will give you all the in- 
formation in my power, & we may then consult about the place of 
worship. As there are several religious societies of various denom- 
inations in the Town, & the Catholics are without any outward dis- 
tinction, I can only mention such are within my acquaintance, & 
probably only a small part, as the Catholics commonly have wor- 
shiped according to the rites & ceremonies of the English Church. 
M. Frank, a Corsican. Emanuel Chishull, a Portug: 

M. Peter Barrase, an Italian ! M r Battam, a Frenchman.* 

Mad. Rue & her Sons J° & Jer. Longueray, Canadians.! 
W m Dwire , lately removed to Beverley, an Irishman. 
[190] You can by a conversation with them inform yourself of 
the whole number in the place & vicinity. Revd Sir, your devoted 
Servant, W. B. 

A Procession this afternoon attending the burial of two persons, 
a M r Ropes & his Sister. They both died in one house, have been 
long confined, & nearly the same length of time. The first was a 
Deacon with the Independants under Hopkins, & several years ago 
was struck with the Palsy by a violent shock. This evening for 
the first time appeared M r Curtis, upon whom we are to depend for 
our singing. In the close of the evening he conversed upon the 

*John Batton, bora on the Isle of Oleron, married the widow of Jonathan Lander. 
tThe Rue family were Acadians and doubtless so was Jer. Longeway? 



1790] REV. WILLIAM BBNTLEY 163 

subject with that awkward reserve, & irresolution, which is charac- 
teristic of the yeomanry of New England & has deferred his explan- 
ation till next evening. After all engagements already made, it 
may be supposed that I was not prepared for any future discussion, 
& therefore had all that mortification from being trifled with, which 
puts us too often in the power of the weakest, who can disturb us. 
However, singing must be had, or the preaching renounced, so 
strong is the principle of association in this particular instance. 

[191] 24. M r Curtis visited me but came to no decisive agree- 
ment. 

April 25, Sunday. Sam 1 Eopes & Wife, death of his Father & for 
Brethren at Sea. Seeth Eopes, death of Husband's father, Aunt, & 
for Husband & Brethren at Sea. M r Curtis & young M r Briggs sat 
in the seat together, & we had excellent singing. 

26. The Measles which have long been in this part of the country 
make a very slow progress. They have spread in the upper part of 
the Town, when there is not a single person confined by them in 
the lower. 

27. It is said the influenza returns this spring with greater fury. 
I have seen no examples, tho' I credit the report. 

28. This Morning a very violent Snow Storm and a very high tide. 
The rain which followed has carried off almost all the snow. A M r 
Newman has appeared, who is celebrated for his success in Cancers. 
The Physicians allow that he has wrought strange effects upon a 
M" Sheheen, & he has undertaken for Capt S. Chever, & others. 
He allows merit in his own way to M r Pope of Boston, is a man of 
years, & belongs to Ehodeisland. The Physicians encourage his 
experiments. [192] Yesterday died M r Francis Calley Gray, a 
Brother of M r W m Gray, one of the most active merchants in the 
Commonwealth. The young man deceased was much esteemed for 
his abilities as a merchant. He was ready at accounts, confined in 
his attention to his business, acquainted with all its branches, able 
to navigate the Vessels in the Channel, attend to their construction, 
& fitting for Sea, & of very sober, & temperate life. He is greatly 
lamented by people of all ranks. Aet. 27. 

29. I gave Miss Nancy Wyatt the New Worcester Collection. 
She is one of the best girls for a Singing Seat. She has been con- 
stant in her attention for seven years. She has a natural genius 
for music & with a good ear a fine voice. In her pronunciation of 
words she has a hoarse & thick utterance. In music she can vary 
her voice to any modulation. She was betrayed by a young fellow, 
& left to suffer for her confidence. She however continues to de- 
serve well in other respects, & all her deportment agrees with due 
humility & a most circumspect behavior. Amidst all our changes 
in conducting the Church-Music, she has been steady, & is now the 
greatest ornament of our Seats. Surely she deserves more than a 
bare book for her labor, & for her fidelity. 



164 DIARY OF [1790 

[193] 30. A Letter from my Father representing his poverty. 
As I never lived a day with him in my life, my attachment is more 
from duty, than feeling. He represents the disputes he had with 
his own two fathers, by whom he suffered. They both declared to 
me that they had done him the greatest justice. He has charged 
me £15 said to have been inserted in his account by my G. Father 
in their dispute. My G. Father told me that it was a charge entire- 
ly from my Father, in order to involve me in the dispute, & that 
when the balance of £20 was in my G. Father's favor, he forgave 
it that my father might make no charge against me, & forbid me 
upon the AUTHORITY OF A PARENT ever to make any consider- 
ation on that account. My Father has done me every injury in 
his power, by the most unkind misrepresentations. He has differed 
with all his friends, occasioned the unfortunate proceedings of my 
G. Father in his will, & dispossessed himself & Children, & now 
cries for relief. — What can I do? Capt Chever who submitted to 
the Plaster of the Cancer Doctor mentioned p. 191. was by the vio- 
leut pains of a second experiment lasting 20 minutes, so shocked 
that he has since been speechless, & is supposed, paralytic. As his 
family have been sufferers in the same way, we can only say, his 
disorder followed this operation. 

[194] May 1. M r Parson's three children sick with the measles. 
First I have seen. One child recovered of measles, attended with 
fever. A man from Danvers applied to me to let to him my right 
in a Pasture given in five Shares, two shares to the Ministers of first 
Church, one to the second church in Salem, & one to each of the 
churches in Danvers, under present pastoral care of M r Holt, & M* 
Wadsworth. I had never even heard of such legacy, & referred 
him to M r Holt. News of the death of Rev d M r Geyer, Baptist 
Minister of Boston, in the house formerly of M r Bours. M r G. was 
of Boston, early converted, & by immersion baptised, & educated at 
Providence College. At 19 set. he preached and was settled at Med- 
field. After a time upon a difficulty he removed, & was settled at 
Boston, upon the abdication of M r Stillman. He died April 27 th , 
36 years. Death of DR FRANKLIN at Philadelphia. There is a 
pompous account of his funeral and the Americans may well con- 
sider him as the greatest man their Country has produced. Capt 
Gibaut has heard of his Thief. His Tongs, it is said, have been 
offered for sale & the offender is confined in Boston goal. It is 
feared that discoveries may be made prejudicial to some of our neigh- 
bours. 

[195] 2. Sunday. Sam 1 Chever & Wife for him dangerously sick. 
Lydia Masury for her delivery & Husband at Sea. Persons sick. 
Child of Gam : Hodges. Wife of Micah Webb. Consumption. 
Three children of M r8 Parsons. Measles. Wife of Capt Boardman. 
Cold & Fever. Sam 1 Chever. Paralytic. A very pleasant day. M r 
Prince & Hopkins shut up by influenza. 



1790] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 165 

3. M r Cooke who purchased the front end of Searle's House, four 
doors east of Hodges' has thoroughly repaired it, & fixed a shop in 
front. Capt. Crowninshield has put up a new light fence with stone 
posts, raised upon plain Columns a gallery before his house, enclosed 
with Chinese work. Capt John Hodges seized with sudden fainting. 
The number of complaining persons increases very fast. The influ- 
enza is worse in this stage of its progress. This evening I sat through 
the night with Capt Chever, who seems upon the recovery. A 
blister on the throat assists him to articulate better, than he ever has 
done. The measles are spread through the upper part of the Town, 
but not yet very mortal. It is 7 years, since they visited the Town. 

[196] 4. The Thief who broke into Capt Gibaut's on 19 ult. 
was the Son of the present Widow Elkins. His father a man of gen- 
erous humor died in the infancy of this his elder son, who was of 
sulky, & dishonest temper from his youth. He has been detected 
often in little frauds, & when apprentice to a Baker lost all his 
credit in the world. The other two sons, & two daughters are in 
very good credit, as is the Widow Mother. The Thief after taking 
little things from the family absented under pretence of getting a 
voiage from Newbury. He is now in Boston Prison. The distress 
of the parent must be great. Pine weather recruits the patients 
everywhere. Examined two Spanish Letters for General Fiske. 
They are written with great beauty & uniformity. The report of 
young Elkins is suspicion but upon examination fails of full proof. 

5. Last evening M r Thayer the Convert to the Catholic Church 
visited me & spent the day. I went with him to find the brethren 
of his communion, but we found but one able to maintain the Priest, 
& he had rather renounce his religion than incur the expence. 
The support therefore fell upon me, & consequently all the preju- 
dice which can arise in illiberal minds on such an occasion. How- 
ever candor should be practiced as well as professed. 

[197] 6. Day passed between M r Thayer & myself in that 
desultory conversation which is not unusual on such occasions. 

7. Went to Beverley to see Rev d Oliver with Thayer as a mere 
amusement, & I did not fail of success. The bigotry of Oliver 
joined to an honest but uninformed mind opposed to the humor, & 
insulting triumph of a catholic, who had gained no humility by his 
conversion, & was a remarkable stranger to it before in his whole 
character, upon a new meeting could not fail of effects entertaining 
to one of their old acquaintance. This morning Thayer prepared 
to say Mass as on the preceeding morning. But as no one of his 
devotees appeared he called on me to take the place of Re- 
sponser, which I declined. On the morning of Thursday, an Irish 
Stranger came & assisted him. Thayer came prepared with his 
ornaments, altar stone, & Mass books & has left several hundred 
pamphlets in my custody to be committed to the custody of some 
proper person for sale. Thayer wants that quality which could 



166 DIARY OP [1790 

render his visits tolerable, the least sense that after a family has 
entertained him a week, they have done him a favor. He left at 
two clock. 

[198] Books & other- Articles left with me by M r Thayer. 

49 Copies of M r Thayer's Conversion, l 8 / 
47 Grounds of Catholic Doctrine, 1/ 
35 Papist represented, &c, 1/ 
37 History of Protestantism, 1/ 
11 Catholic Christian, 3/ 
15 Real Principles of Catholics, /4 d 

50 Ordinaries of the Mass, /6 
37 City of God, 1/ 
11 Grounds of the Old Religion, 2/6 
49 Douay Catechisms, /4 
49 Thayer's Prayers, /4 

2 Gother's Prayers, 3 Vols, each, bound, 12/ 

4 Poor Man's Posey of Prayers, bound, 2/ 

5 Manual of Prayers, bound, 2/ 
5 Garden's of the Soul, bound, 2/6 
1 Bossuet's Variations, 2 Vol. 8vo. bound, 13/ 

27 Beads. One compleat ornament of all Colours, vizt. a Chas- 
uble, stole, maniple, vail, cincture, burse containing a Corporal, 
pall, an amice, & mundatory, & a lavabo, an alb & detached stole. 
Besides an Altar stone, a pair of Altar cards & a missal. The list 
preserved as a Curiosity ! 

[199] May 8. News of the death of the Reverend M r Tappan 
of Manchester. He has long been pastor of this Town. He was 
unanimated in the Pulpit, but easy in his manners, & exemplary in 
his conduct out of it. He has brought up a large family in a very 
reputable manner. His Son at Newbury is eminent. He died yes- 
terday of a fever, after a short illness. He softened the minds, en- 
gaged the affections & greatly improved the happiness of his people. 

9. Sunday. Adam Welman returned from sea, returned thanks, 
ask'd prayers on death of his two Brethren. Elizabeth Parsons, 
one of her children dang : sick, husband & brother at Sea. Sarah 
Silver, death of her sister. Bernard & Hopkins shut up. I was 
sent for to Wid : Allen formerly Brown. 

10. Attended the funeral of Rev d Benj a Tappan of Manchester, 
set. 70. The Parish defrayed all expences at the house, provided 
gloves, & gave a full suit of Mourning to Widow. The procession was 
from the house 1/4 of mile to the Meeting House. The Children 
preceeded the corpse. Then the Church, then went the Corpse sup- 
ported by young men. 

Pall Holders. 

Rev d Swain. Rev d Forbes. 
Treadwell. Corpse. Cutler. 

Prisbie. Bentley. 



1790] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 167 

[200] Then followed the Mourners, & a numerous Train of 
Parishioners, &c. M r Swain made the prayer in the Meeting House, 
& M r Forbes preached, If ye loved me ye would rejoice, because I 
go to my father. The Sermon was not critically just, but adapted 
to sober reflection & with good effect. We then passed to the 
grave, & thence home with relations. I returned to Tea to M rs 
Dane's, Beverley, & home. 

11. News of the death of Revd Hilliard at Cambridge on last 
Sunday morning. Our Association was held at Rev d Holt's. I at- 
tended, but the number present was small. The quarter part being 
indisposed by the disorder of the season, so as not to appear. 

12. Strange commotions in a family subject to such evils, 
attended with great alarms. A Proof that intoxication will bring a 
man to make the greatest sacrifice of his peace, domestic enjoyment, 
& reputation. Capt. Mason contrasts a very pleasing deportment 
in common life with strange excentricities. His daughter was sick, 
for whom he is soon to provide in life. Concern arising from sym- 
pathy itself occasions gloom, brings on intoxication, which vents 
itself in rage, & horrid execrations. This scene is attended with 
horror of conscience, stupid silence, tears, grief, excessive good 
nature, folly, then repentance, of even repentance & periodical 
returns of this delirium. 

[201] 13. The number of persons sick increases but few deaths 
have yet ensued. M r Webster imputes the influenza to the open 
winter, & the want of vigorous vegetation, observing that at the 
time of vegetation the disorder is known to cease its rage. 

14. Capt Patterson presented me a volume terribly eaten by the 
Worms which he had brought as a curiosity with some french 
Gazettes. The Academy at Cape Francois might well offer an hand- 
some premium for the discov[er]y of a method to keep Books from 
worms. At the head of the binding it is eaten beyond discription. 
No other part is injured but at the ends of the binding particularly, 
head. 

15. M rs Allen died yesterday & preserved her hearing, speech, 
& freedom of mind till the last hours. At eleven o'clock at night 
a fire broke out in a finished Barn belonging to Capt Hill in Bever- 
ley. It was entirely consumed with two Cows & all its Contents. 
The people of Salem gave their ready assistance, & received the polite 
thanks of M r George Cabot, which gave great satisfaction. It is a 
general suspicion that it was set on fire by malicious persons. Not 
long since a Barn belonging to Capt Lovitt was burnt, & brands of 
fire it is said were found under the shop of a M r Allen. Capt Hill 
has been lately [202] divorced from his Wife, which occasions 
many suspicions. This being the third Barn within the term of a 
year, occasions a general alarm but without any proof whatsoever. 

[May] 16. Sunday. Exchanged with M r Holt of Danvers, & had 
an opportunity of seeing uninformed honesty display itself without 



168 DIARY OF [1790 

disguise. Notes. Lydia Beadle, for herself sick. Many persons 
complaining, but no particular person in eminent danger. 

17. Paid the Compliments at noon to a Brother of Capt. N. 
West, after marriage. M r Jackon, Marshall, in my absence, noti- 
fied me that Chief Justice Jay was in Town, & that he should be 
received by the Clergy. My absence gave me no pain, as this Gen- 
tleman is active in Church Affairs, & is the Guardian of Bp. Provost. 
M r Bowditch informed me that there are three episcopal societies 
in N. Hampshire beside Portsmouth. At Claremont, Haverhill & 
Holderness, at the last they have a Clergyman M r Fowle of New- 
bury Port. That repairs are begun upon Christ Church in Cam- 
bridge, that Trinity Church in Boston supplied 40£ towards these 
repairs, & that the Vestry have applied for their Bell which they 
had lent to the South Church in Boston. 

[203J 18. Dr Franklin's Epitaph appears agains with fresh 
applause. 

The Body of 

Benjamin Franklin, Printer, 

Like the Cover of an old Book, 

Its contents torn out, and 

Stripped of its lettering & gilding, 

Lies here, food for worms : 

But the work shall not be lost: 

For it shall, as he believed, appear once more 

In a new & more elegant edition , 
Corrected & improved 
By THE AUTHOR, 
[born Jan? 6, 1706, died April 17, 1790.] 
In his will it appears that he has left To Bache his Son in Law, 
Temple Franklin his G. Son & Secretary, B.Franklin Bache, To the 
City of Philadelphia, Boston, large Legacies. To his Son from 500 
to 600£ & lands in Nova Scotia, to P. Washington a cane with 
some emblems upon it, to M r and M r8 Bache the remainder, &c. & to 
Judge Hopkinson his P. Apparatus. His Secretary has his Manu- 
scripts & Copy right of his Life, his G. Son B. F. Bache his Print- 
ing Materials, & Type Foundery. The lands he has given to his Son 
in Nova Scotia, are in the country to whose jurisdiction he chose to 
be subject. The life of the Author when it appears will probably 
be interesting to an American. 

[204] Mention made in Worcester Gazette of great success in 
poor Land from steeping the Corn in water saturated with salt petre. 
The Corn left to swell in the brine. 

19. Articles of Charge against the man of Judgement. He has 
openly abused the whole order of religious teachers, without any 
exceptions. He has declared their present support unreasonably 
great. He has publickly discouraged all persons desirious to pur- 



1790] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 169 

chase pews in our houses by which the public worship is maintained. 
He has associated with men of most licentious opinions. He has 
permitted men, known to pay the greatest regard to him, & to be 
absolutely dependent upon him, to vilify the ministers. He has 
openly plead in their cause. He does embrace seasons of public 
worship as times for his own recreations. He has openly declared 
his willingness to assist a party in opposition to Government in 
removing by violence goods seized for breach of Trade. He openly 
censures the Government, & threatens opposition to its measures. 
He has openly opposed the regulation of the Militia, & encouraged 
open disputes. He is not a man for God, or for Society, & his pas- 
sions make him terrible to himself. 

[205] 20. Palfrey enclosing the land adjoining to his house 
leading to Allen's Wharf. This land has laid long unenclosed. I 
have repeatedly detected women who have brought me unkind 
reports & suspicions of others venting the same of myself. Died 
Master John Nutting* aged 96. He was graduated at Cambridge 
in 1712 & for several years was the oldest in the Catalogue. He 
kept the Town School in Salem many years. Had been infirm 
through age, but able to go about, & converse with his neighbours. 
He has left one daughter who has two daughters, so that his descen- 
dants are not numerous. 

21. The Measles appeared in two neighbouring families. The 
Sickness which had been general from the influenza is going off, 
& the symptoms everywhere were most favourable. We have all 
taken notice, that while the sick were in every house & the patients 
seized very suddenly, & violently there have been few deaths, & not 
one yet from the influenza in our society, and as yet our society 
have been less violently seized, & more in succession than other- 
wise. The Physician has notified our more favorable state. As we 
lay lower we might imagine that our health would be less secure. 
The Rivers however are nearer to us on both sides. 

[206] 22. A doubt in Dabney's mind respecting the payment 
for Worcester collection of music. I had entered it paid, but no 
credit had been given to me upon M r Dabney's Books. I do not 
recollect the Circumstances of payment but am well persuaded of 
such payment. Danger of not taking receipt & not seeing credit 
given. Let me be cautious. 

[May] 23. Sunday. Notes. Elizabeth Parsons, death of her Son, 
for youngest child dang : sick & Husband at Sea. Margaret Clark, 
death of her G. Son & Sons at Sea. Sarah Webb for her delivery, 
Husband at Sea. This evening was the funeral procession of Master 
Nutting, large & respectable. On the same evening was buried at 
Marblehead, Robert Hooper, Esq r , set. 80. He had long the most 
eminent Merchant in the place, but by the events of war, became a 

*See Essex Institute Hist. Colls, vol. xxxvm., p. 291. 



170 DIARY OP [1790 

bankrupt. He was entrusted by his creditors with the improvement 
of his real estate, during his natural life, & was called King Hooper 
by the people. The highest affection was shewn to him at his death 
& his*memory honored by his numerous former dependants. The 
Vessels were all dressed in mourning, the Procession exceeded any- 
thing before known in honor of a merchant, in that place. 

[207] 24. Monday. Planned a journey to Lancaster a Town in 
Worcestershire, in company with Col. Pickman's Family. I made 
all those timorous approaches to gain the company of the eldest 
daughter for the journey which distinguish old Bachelors, & are 
commonly unsuccessful. There were some pleasing circumstances 
about it, & a proof that a man may approve of his own address, 
even when it fails of the end he professes. Galatea me male petit, 
&c. 

25. Tuesday. I went from Salem to Cambridge in company with 
Col. Pickman & Lady & his Eldest Son & Lady, formerly Nancy 
Derby, lately married. We dined together at Bradish, in company 
with a M r Harris, a Bachelor & assistant in the University Library. 
He favored us with a view of the Library, & the Catalogue prepar- 
ing for the press. This useful work is under the inspection of the 
Rev d M r Smith, the Librarian. Students are now permitted to 
study in the Library, & this generous permission will be a still 
greater favor when a General Catalogue is printed. The Gentle- 
men of the University are absent upon an Academy meeting in 
Boston. — They originated this institution and are therefore gener- 
ally members. After dinner we rode for Concord, stopped on the 
celebrated spot at Lexington, [208] at which the late War begun, 
& visited the excellent Parish Minister, M r Clarke. We arrived at 
Concord, & put up at Richardson's the House purchased by the 
County, for the Keeper of the Goal, lately built in that Town. 

26. Wednesday. Visited the Goal, after having paid my respects 
to my old Landlord M r Potter, who buried his Wife last fall, & is 
now in his 88 th year. The Goal is built by the County of Middle- 
sex, at the expence of 4,000£. The House is 65 by 32, length east 
& west. The whole is of Stone. The Entry Door under the Pedi- 
ment is at the first Story up a flight of Stone Steps. These Rooms 
are contrived for the confinement of Debtors without liberty of the 
yard, & less notorious offenders. The Corner Rooms have two 
Windows. The height of the Rooms 8 feet. In the second Story, 
there is a long Entry for walking with a window at each end, & on 
each side 4 rooms. Two are left together on the south side, for a 
Work house. The Pediment furnishes Room for two Lofts, with 
windows opening 1ST. & S. The walls are below 4 feet thick, 3 in 
the 1 story & 2 in the upper. To go in below are two doors which 
are well secured, & the inner doors of wrought & plated iron, with 
large bars, two large bolts. Great Locks, & outer padlocks. The 
Stonework below in the foundation is 8 feet through, & the filth 



1790] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 171 

passes through holes worked through large stones in the foundation, 
& discharges itself into a [209] running stream below. Marked 
built in 1789. The lower rooms are all of Solid Stone Arched, & 
only loose plank laid on the foundation. The Dungeon is in the 
Center beyond the Room called the Condemned Room. There 
were three Creoles called Bloods in one room with a distracted 
brother. They had been publicly whipped, & five men of the fam- 
ily sent to the Castle. They behaved well, were comely, & excited 
pity. The whole family were detected in the long practice of 
stealing. The Vane on the Court House, which was the old meet- 
ing house has these Cyphers, 1673. M r Potter remembers Rev d East- 
erbrook, Whiting, Bliss, & Emerson, before the present M r Ripley. 
In the Grave Yard, the following Inscription upon a Grave Stone, 
executed very well. " Paternal Coat Armour " round the Arms, 
M. S. An Eagle spread, &c. Lieut. Daniel Hoar. ob. Feb. 8, 1773, 
set 93. By honest industry & prudent economy he acquired a hand- 
some fortune for a man in private character. He enjoyed a long 
life & uninterrupted state of health, blessings that ever attend Ex- 
ercise & Temperance. S. V. Here's the last end of mortal Story! 
He's dead ! 

27. We went from Concord through Stow & Bolton to Lancas- 
ter on Wednesday. At Bolton I enquired for an old uncle Town- 
send, who was the Brother of my G. Mother Bentley. Joshua 
Townsend died Jan? 20, 1790, aet 90, if he had lived till 14 March 
following. His son James lives on his [210] homestead with a 
wife & 9 children. Joshua the eldest son lives opposite with five 
children. The other two sons have removed to Putney. At Lan- 
caster I visited the old spot upon which the House of Rev d M r Row- 
landson stood. His wife was taken by the Indians, & is celebrated 
for her Removes. I visited also George's Hill a mile from the 
Town, to which she made her first remove. I walked round the 
Great Square, above 3 miles. About one mile above the Meeting 
House the view of the River & the Bason or interval is obstructed 
by a Wood of Pine on the west side of the Road. The Bason is 
open till you arrive at this place, & is romantic. The road contin- 
ues on to Leominster. You then turn to the right for the Square, 
& after above 1/4 of a mile again to the right, leaving the Road to 
Harvard on your left N. by E. The Cabans or inferior buildings 
denote the soil. On the other line returning the land is good & 
there is an elegant Spot for a House, on which stands an old House 
of L. Stearns, & a noble Barn of Parmer Jones below. It commands 
a fine view of the North River & the Interval on your left returning. 
Pine orchards are seen upon the whole road. At the Corner on the 
left is a handsome house belonging- to a M r Waldo of Worcester, 
commanding a near view of the River & the late String of bridges 
for which the Lottery was granted. These bridges lead onto Bos- 
ton Road & form the little Square of about 2 miles. The front of 



172 DIARY OF [1790 

this house is wrong for the enjoyment of the prospect being 
towards the Town. [211] The great freshets to which this River 
is subject have thrown up large banks of sand, which make the ap- 
proach to the River bad, & the prospect barren towards the Bridges, 
& the water lodged between the Banks, & Interval land becomes 
stagnant, & cannot easily be discharged. Here is the Confluence of 
the Two rivers, one of which flows below & the other above the 
Meeting House. M r Torrey from Boston has purchased the other 
corner, the stile of his Building is not good, & its ornaments very 
bad. His windows are in form of sharp pediments, & his Pilasters 
at the Door are fluted one third of their length. A House on the 
other angle of this Square possessed by a M r Greenleaf is the most 
regular Building in the place, the Roof has lucerne windows, but 
the Roof is uneven. Returning to M 1 ' Harrington's is M r Sprague's 
a decent House, before you reach the New Bridge. This Bridge of 
the greatest altitude, is supported in the middle by 5 posts fixed in 
a Sill, perpendicularly, the two outer posts rising two feet above the 
floor into which two pieces of Timber a foot square fasten for the 
guards on the passage 16 feet wide. Two Posts are fixed in the end 
of the Sill, one on each side & rise obliquely to the height of the 
floor, & are fastened into the outer posts. The Height of the Bridge 
at the Center from the bed of the river is 20 feet, about 50 feet over. 
[212] The History of the Town of Lancaster I obtained from a 
Century Sermon printed 1753. Also from a Sermon before the 
Sessions, & The information of Rev d M r Harrington. In 1645 M r 
King of Watertown purchased of a Sachem, & the G. Court gave a 
Grant. In 1653 after some delays, 18 May, 9 families were incor- 
porated by the name of Lancaster. In 1675 was Philip's War, & 
the distruction. In 1654 M r Rowlandson preached, & it is supposed 
was ordained in 1658. In the dispersion 1675 when his wife was 
taken, he being at Boston he settled & died soon at Weathersfield, 
Conn. In 1690, M r Whiting settled, killed by the Indians. In 
1701, Rev d M r Gardner, not ord : killed in the fort by accident. 
The Guard taking him to be an indian, as he was going into the 
house. In 1705 M r Prentice preached, & ord. in 1708. In M r Pren- 
tice's Ministry 331 Communicants & 1593 Baptisms. Till resettle- 
ment in 1748 38 Baptisms, from 1705 till Century compleat 1753, 
adding 70 Conn. & 183 Baptisms the whole 401 Communicants & 
1814 Baptisms. The Records being lost till 1708. To other Towns 
they have seperated part of their Tract. To Harvard, 1735. To 
Bolton, 1741. To Leomister, 1743. To Sterling, 1744, the Pre- 
cinct. The old vote for the first meeting House runs Gaffer — to 
make the Hedge. Goodman — to make clay, straw & mortar, & 
Goodman — to make the Chimney. — [213] The present Meeting 
House under repair is the fourth. The first inferior Court in this 
County, now Worcestershire, was held 10 Aug. 1731, & M r Prentice 
preached. Their present Minister was settled in the Ashuelot, & 



1790] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 173 

driven off by the Indians. The upper & lower Ashuelot on a River 
of that name was granted by the Gen : Court Mass : 1733. After- 
wards set off to Hamp. Bacon settled there in 1738 in upper, & 
Harrington in lower in 1741, since Keene & Swanzey. Carpenter 
of Hull ordained there in 1753. The following Epitaph respecting 
the Ancestor of the Physician at Lancaster, was given me from 
Plimouth Colony. 

Here lies our Captain & Major, 

Of Suffolk was withal, 
A Godly Magistrate was he, 

And Major General. 
Two troop of horse came here, 

Such love his worth did crave, 
Ten Companies of foot also, 

Mourning marched to his Grave. 
Let all who read be sure to keep 

The faith as he has done, 
He lives now crowned with Christ, 
His name was Humphrey Atherton. 

28 After dinner at B r Atherton's the Physician of the place, at 
whose house a Son of Col. Pickman resided for the recovery of his 
health, we set out upon our return through Sudbury, & lodged at 
Flagg's in [214] Weston, which is a very pleasant Town. 

29 We parted, the other Company going to Boston, but I went 
to Cambridge, & found my friend Winthrop appraising the Estate 
of his father, the whole of which was now to be settled upon the 
decease of the widow. I dined at Wait's in Maiden, & reached Sa- 
lem before Sundown, & found my friend Hodges returned from the 
Indies. Expenses of the Journey, for curiosity. 

Lynn, Oats /4 d Bridge, Maiden /9* 

Cambridge 3/6 Darling 2y01d Servant 

Concord 3/6 Lex. /4 

Potter's Negro 2/4 Prisoners 1/2 

g tow /4 Consid : at Lancaster to V. ot 

M rB Wilder, who would receive no pay. Had two dinners. 6 8 / 
Tavern 1/6 For shaving gave 1/2 

To Children of Uncle Townsend's family 3 8 / 

Stow /4 d i Weston 4'/ 

Cambridge l 8 / Bridge, Maiden /9 d 

Wait's Maiden 1/10 Pour hostlers 2 7 

«32/2£ 

TMay] 30. Sunday. Notes. Widow Towzer for her Son deprived of 
Reason. Widow M. Clarke for Son dang: with Small Pox. The 
Small Pox came by Capt Crowninshield's vessel from Charlestown. 
Two persons beside the above have it favorably by inocula- 
tion at the Hospital attended by D r Pain. Preached at M r Prince s 



174 DIARY OF [1790 

this afternoon & in the morning upon "good news from a far coun- 
try." 

[215] 31. My good friend Capt Hodges presented to me a Pike or 
Spear of Wood, with a Bow & two Arrows brought by the Ameri- 
can Ship Columbia from Nootka Sound to Canton, & Specimens of 
Cloth from Sandwich Islands. News by the arrival of the Astrea 
at Boston of the death of Thomas Bray, se. 25. His Brother in law 
Webb returned in this Ship from Canton. M r Bray died on Tues- 
day last, after a sickness, with short intervals, through the Voiage. 
He had been an invalid for a long time. He is said to have intend- 
ed marriage with Polly, D. of John White immediately upon his 
return. Three aged persons now lie dead in Town, each about 80 
years of age. Madam Lynde, Widow of Judge Lynde, a M r Eas- 
ties, & a M rs Chapman. Called out of bed to visit a M rs Richard- 
son supposed to be dying. 

[216] June 1. In addition to my former presents Capt Hod- 
ges presented me with a large Sandwich Cloth, a Chinese permit to 
enter & trade at their Port of Canton, & several Coins. One Swed- 
ish, on the face, Head of Gustavus the third, with inscript. Gusta- 
vus. III. D. G. Kex. Succiae. On the Reverse field with three 
Crowns, & crest a Crown with Wreath of flowers, above Fadernes- 
land et, on the sides I. opposite R : below on sides of a small crown 
supported by a Star 0. L. & below 1788. A Coin of the United 
States of Holland. On the face the Arms, with inscription Concor- 
dia fes parvEe crescunt, 1761. Opposite The horse & rider with lift- 
ed sword in full speed. Arms quartered below. Fee : Belg : Prov : 
Traj : mo: no : arg : con : not to be bribed. Two pieces of Tippo 
Saib, with fleur de lis on the face, & confused figures on the re- 
verse. 

2. I went in company with Capt. G. Crowninshield jun r to at- 
tend the interment of M r Stephen Clark, set. 25, in the Hospital 
Ground. He took the Small-Pox in Charlestown, South Carolina, 
& had the confluent sort. He died last evening at 7 o'clock. His 
Mother a Widow has buried her four sons within five years, & 
two Daughters in law. She has two Daughters living. The Mari- 
ners cut S. C. on the stone. 

[217] 3. The Ship Astrea came into Port from Nantasket. 
Madam Lynde interred. Four Funerals attended this afternoon. 

4. Signed the Covenant to fulfil all obligations, submit to all 
Laws, &c. of Phil : Library. Went in a Chaise with Alice, Sister 
of Capt Josiah Orne, in company with Capt Orne & his Wife to 
spend the day at Nahant. A visit to the Swallow Rock, to the 
Head to observe the breakers, and some sport in the surf, and a lit- 
tle fishing in the Boat, made our amusements. Our dinners, & 
Coffee at Friend Breed's cost us only 6/4. We returned by Marble- 
head Road to Salem. 

[218] 5. Melancholy Death of M rs Dighton. She was d : of 



1790] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 175 

M r Edmund Whittemore, of very agreeable person, & pleasing 
prospects upon entering life. But being early inclined to Intem- 
perance, her family was soon a scene of feuds, & brawls. She in- 
herited part of the house near the Meeting house, but had aliena- 
ted it & now in the absence of her Husband was in a House in 
Turner's lane belonging to a M r Barker. A Married Sister, & a 
Valpy were in bed with her last night, but were so intoxicated that 
her cries heard by the neighbours were unknown to them. She 
was found dead between them in the morning. I visited the house, 
& had every reason to believe that they had long been in the habit 
of intemperance, & had sold even the feathers from the bed to gra- 
tify their wicked propensity. 

Capt Hodges presented to me an Image of a Mandarin exceeding 
two feet in height, richly ornamented in the habit of his order. 
The head & right hand move but not gracefully. But inspiring 
the idea of life, they have left the idea of a most painful, & exten- 
sive infirmity. Below the breast reaching to the knees is the form 
of an apron, red with a dragon, & other bright figures. The Gown 
is a deep & fine blue. The countenance pleasant, the posture in- 
clined, the left hand holds a staff, &c. [219] Capt H. Elkins ar- 
rived in Nichols & has brought a variety of curiosities, which he 
has delivered to me this evening. 

[June] 6. Sunday. Notes. Wid. Mary Collins for herself sick. 
Wid. Mary Browne, death of her Son. Wid. Marg : Clarke & chil- 
dren, death of her son. Eliz. Parsons, death of Brother S. Clarke, & 
husband at Sea. Micah Webb & Wife for her sick dangerously. 
M" Dighton buried this evening. 

7. Curiosities delivered to me by Capt H. Elkins. Specimens 
of Cloth from the Columbia. Hooks of Bone & Mother of Pearl 
from the Natives of America, with Lines. Specimen of Persee 
writing. Specimen of Chinese writing. A Chinese permit sealed. 
Four dozen Chinese Caexas. Two Chinese Candles, of four inches 
wax with sticks below of the same length. Four nuts. Specimen 
of Ambergris. One dutch Coin. face. Hero in armour, resting 
left arm & support 8 right with a spear. Inscrip : Hanc Tuemus. Hac 
Nitimur. Reverse. Arms. Ins : Mo : Arg : Ord : Faed : Belg : 
Westf : 1786. side x S e French Coin two, Isles de F. & Bourbon. 
3 Sol. 1770. Dutch, bruised, marked 6 s. 1777. [220] A Fanam, 
three fleurs de lis. Pice, two, marked Bom : &c. Silver Coin, 
marked M ras. Isulae. Num. 1680. 3 French West Ind : Copper 
Coin. Col : Franz, &c. 1767. Gold Cobb[?] figured, third of Gold 
Rupee. A Chinese pipe. Reed of a foot length. Preserved in 
Spirits, the Silver Fish, A water Snake, &c. Two Paint Brushes 
of different Sizes. 

8. The Association met at my House. Present Mess" Bernard, 
Holt, Story, Hubbard, Prince, Parsons, MacKeen. Mr Story 
preached. It was a very pleasant day. 



176 DIARY OP [1790 

9. The noted D r Whitaker in Salem. That gracefulness of 
person, & air of confidence which once distinguished him are lost. 
He is emaciated, & dressed in a very beggarly manner. He says 
he is on his way to Boston. The bitter execrations of the people 
in Maine follow him. I dined at Col. Pickman's with Col. Turner, 
the dancing master, & friend of the present Governor. He is 
chatty, familiar, and— He lives at Dorchester on Swan's farm, alias 
Hatch's. He has come to this Town to teach. The strange impo- 
sitions in this respect strongly mark the improvements which the 
body of the people have made in this valued accomplishment. It 
were to be wished that it made a part in every education for more 
reasons than one, & one that it might not be overated. 

[221] 10. Saw M r Samuel Blanchard who went with Capt El- 
kins to the East Indies. It is said that he passes high encomium 
upon the Chinese. He has promised me a visit very soon. M r 
Derby has presented a Ship, which has long lain at his Wharf, to 
his three Sons, John Derby, B. Pickman, & N. West. We are told 
M r D. has expressed great dissatisfaction from the results of his 
Voyages, with the several persons employed by him. Capt West 
& Boardman have disposed of their Ship to a Folger of Nantucket. 
Capt Byrne detained at Hispaniola by the sales of his Cargo, to a 
Bankrupt Merchant. Capt Pratt has arrived at Boston from W. 
Indies. A Son of M r Snelling, having broken his arm in my late 
absence, is now able to go out without hazard. He is apprentice to 
a Barber. Capt Jon a Mason sen. has had a touch of the Palsy, but 
probably not a severe shock. The measles have spread very much 
within a Week. They are in Capt S. Ingersoll's family, Capt Al- 
len's, Collins's, &c, & have as yet very favorable symptoms among 
children. Last Monday evening the youngest daughter of Rev d 
Dimon was married by Rev d Prince to a M r Green of Maiden. The 
whole family including the oldest daughter Polly, & a non compos 
Son Timothy have already removed, & the house is offered for a 
Tenant. It is said M. Haraden, the other Daughter, was reconciled 
before the others removed. 

[222] 11. The New Light Minister M r Hopkins has made a 
second attempt to intrude his services upon my people by unchari- 
table insinuations. He made his first attempt upon Lydia, D. of 
Gen. Fiske, but was repulsed with generous disdain. His late at- 
tempt was upon M" Webb, Wife of Micah & D. of Capt Putnam. 
He has been equally unsuccessful. His concern for the souls of 
persons not belonging to his Charge, fearing least they should be 
left to ruin is his pretence, when he has neither abilities, nor in- 
formation, nor antiquity to justify him, as he might presume if he 
was an ecclesiastic of Rome. However it shews plainly that all 
ecclesiastics are the same, & that at best we can only find a few ex- 
ceptions. 



1790] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 177 

Last Wednesday was an ordination in the North Parish of Read- 
ing, 12 miles from Salem. A Parish called Wood End. They had 
formerly a Minister named Haven, of distinguished abilities, can- 
dor, & liberality. They have been vacant many years. The en- 
lightened few having struggled long against the many who at last 
with 4/5 ths of the Congregation have ordained a Mr Sanburne. 
The objections arise from his opinions, called Hopkintonian, by 
which he asserts not only the want of will, but the total incapacity 
of any morally good work in a natural, or unregenerate man. The 
Council consisted of 

Delegates from Wilmington, Mr Morril did not appear. 
[223] Rev d M r Stone, Reading, S. Parish & Delegates. 

Rev d M r Prentice, Reading & Delegates. 

Rev d M r Moty, Lynnfield & Delegates. 

Rev d M r Sergeant, Woburn & Delegates. 
The Three chosen & added by the Candidate. 

Rev d M r Judson, of Taunton & Delegates. 

Rev d M r Thayer, of King[s]ton, N. H. & Delegates. 

Rev d M r Cleveland, Stoneham & Delegates. 
To these was added. 

Rev d M r Huntington, Topstield & Delegates. 
Rev d Stone was chosen Moderator. 

After opening with prayer, a remonstrance was offered signed by 
14 persons, whose interest amounted to a fifth of the whole. They 
declared others, who would not act, were with them. They debated 
from 11 A. M. till 5 P. M. & then Rev d M r Stone, & M r Prentice 
with their delegates retired, M r Sergeant hesitated, but tarried, his 
delegates however retired, the delegates from Wilmington retired, 
& the rest concurred in the Ordination. M r Thayer preached, 
M r Judson gave the charge, & Cleveland the fellowship. In this 
manner the Clergy of this character are taking possession of our 
churches — Upon the plan of our churches, if good sense ever main- 
tains itself, & candor, we are sure it must be when the majority are 
wise & candid. And if as Christians we have no faith in such a 
period, we need have no faith in our Churches, or our religion. At 
present we are the sport of the ignorant, & many of the most en- 
lightened are not the most honest. 

[224] 12. Capt B. Hodges representing to me that Capt J° 
White wished me to renew my visits at his house from sentiments 
favorable to our common interest, I determined to go, & according- 
ly went & was very civily received. Divide et impera, is found a 
salutary, & moral truth, as well as a political. By the friendship 
or favor of this man, I weaken the ability of another to do me mis- 
chief. 

[June] 13. Sunday. Notes for S. Smith in the Workhouse 
omitted last Sunday. John Bray, death of his Son. Benj Webb, 



178 DIARY OF [1790 

& Wife, d. of Brother Bray. The noted D r Whitaker attended 
public worship in Our Assembly this afternoon. 

14. Letter from J° Gibaut, expressive of his great feats of the suc- 
cess, which will attend his voyage. This is a letter to his parents, 
& shows no great satisfaction in the arrangements of his friend H. 
D. jun r . Saw a Coin of Adolphus, Fred : of Sweden, of value in 
Eustatia, 12 bits. It resembles the present Coin on the reverse, 
tho not in the inscriptions. A. F. D. G. King of Sweden, & a motto 
My country's Happiness is mine. — 

[225] 15. Settled with Treasurer, after a neglect for almost 
three years. The receipts did not easily explain themselves, & a 
little greater age might have involved them in endless dispute, aris- 
ing from the receipts being included in each other, & not specifying 
that circumstance. To settle once in every three months. 

16. M r Tappan, S. of Bevd Tappan of Manchester notified me 
that I was to preach next Sunday in turn as Pallholder to his father. 
I went to Beverley, & M r McKeen lent me his Horse & Carriage to 
go to a M r Quarles in Ipswich Hamlet, who engaged to supply my 
pulpit. M r Quarles was in the dress & business of a farmer, very 
facetious, & too much addicted to fun, for his comfort among his 
neighbours. 

[226] 17. I had the company of M r W m Mason from Charles- 
ton, S. C. in a vacancy of Smith's Academy, of which he is a Pre- 
ceptor. This day uncommonly warm, & the first very warm in the 
season. Vegetation quick. In Corpus Christi M r Rousselet, at the 
Catholic Chapel in Boston undertook the defence of the Trinity, in 
ten Sermons. He is the French Minister with M r Thayer, & has 
considerable reputation among the Inhabitants. 

18. News that last night Madam Derby died at Hingham. She 
was the Widow of the celebrated D r Hearsy, who gave a generous 
donation of one thousand pounds to the College at Cambridge, as a 
foundation for a professorship in Medicine, &c. His widow mar- 
ried Capt Derby of this Town who was a parishioner, when I came 
to Salem but died soon after. The widow it is said has left anoth- 
er 1000£ to the College, several benefactions to the School at Hing- 
ham, & numerous Legacies, but it cannot be known at present what 
they are, as she was continually changing her disposition of affairs. 
She was short of stature , naturally ingenious, but above instruction. 
The specimens of her needle work, &c, resemble the efforts of an 
uninstructed native. She was chearful, capable of flattery, but not 
sudden in her friendships. Her conversation was about her own 
affairs, at church she slept, from a [227] mental inaptitude for re- 
flection. She was rigorous in her demands. Ready to employ the 
poor, but not to give without their labor. She talked of death as 
she would have done of a removal, only without much fear or hope, 
another state having insured her belief, but very little of her affec- 



1790] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 179 

tions. Great curiosity is excited respecting the particulars of her 
last will & Testament. 

19. Copy of a kind Letter given to me by Messieurs West, & 
Hodges. 

Salem, June 18, 1790. 

Dear Sir, Our friend the Rev d M r William Bentley of this Town 
wishing to settle a Correspondence in London, for the convenience 
of being punctually supplied with such Books, as he may wish to 
be possessed of, we introduce him to you, & rest assured you will 
execute any orders he may forward with attention & dispatch , & be 
assured your remittance shall be punctual. Your very humble 
servants, Nath a West, Benj a Hodges. 

M r John Hardy, London. 

M r Ebenezer Putnam broke his leg this day, by accident on Mar- 
blehead road. M r Browne delivered to me two Coins, one of Lewis 
XIIL, & the other of Charles I. of Great Britain. They were found 
upon a Spot, which the first settlers occupied. I intend to survey 
the ground, inquire the u history, & search the " records and then 
more particularly discribe the Coins which have been delivered me. 

[228] [June] 20. Sunday. Preached at Manchester. M r Fran- 
cis Quarles officiated for me. Notes. Wid. Susannah Babbidge, 
death of Sister Collins, for Son & G. Sons at Sea. Sus : Dean, death 
of her Mother, prayers of her eldest Son infirm, & for husband & 
Son at Sea. Mary Collins, death of mother in law, for her eldest 
son long absent, & for friends at Sea. 

21. Took a walk this morning to the spot at which the Coin 
were found mentioned on Saturday. The point (after our crossing 
the run of water, which flows from the Common to Neckgate) was 
called Virgin Point, said, from three old maidens who lived near 
it, the place being now to be seen. After we pass this point now 
in possession of Capt Boardman & Gamaliel Hodges, we come to 
the Land upon which Vincent's Rope walk was built. There was a 
Road into this land to SHALLOP COVE on the east of which 
was a 4 Acre lot disposed of by the heirs of Hodges to Vincent. It 
now does not contain one third of that quantity. Mr Vincent & 
Brown are now building a sea Wall to this lot, to secure the 
remainder, to be filled up level with the top of this wall. [229] 
Beyond is SHALLOP COVE. It entered 30 rods beyond the 
present fence, & is partly filled by earth carted into it, & by means 
of a dyke which formerly, till within a few years run across the 
entrance. The sides have been plowed down, & this year for the 
first time the adjacent land has been plowed up, by which plowing 
the Coins were found. There was a Point running out on the south 
side. It had trees without the fence as it now runs in a line with 
the sea wall in the memory of the present generation, but has en- 
tirely disappeared. Beyond is Planter's Marsh extending a consid- 
erable distance from the Upland. The first Settlers chose the 



180 DIARY OF [1790 

north Shore, by Skerry's, & soon improved Shallop Cove for their 
Fishing Barks, they afterwards settled Point of Rocks, and made 
use of Cat Cove between Point of Rocks & Winter Island. It may 
be remarked that there were 4 houses on each side between Turner's 
& Becket's Lane upon the Great Street leading to the Neck Gate. 
One of them Foot's on the east side stood in from the Road. There 
is now only the Houses of Capt Pierce,* & Ingersoll with a Build- 
ing belonging to the heirs of Foot, formed into a Dwelling House 
on the east side, & by a group of Negro Cabins on the west side. 

General Putnam, died at Brooklyn in Connecticut, May 29, in 73 
year of his age. Major General in the late Continental Army. 

[231] 22. I went to ride with Capt. S. Chever into Danvers. 
Saw the Garden of Mr. E. H. Derby. The Dutch Gardener was 
very attentive. The Principal Garden is in three parts divided by 
an open slat fence painted white, & the fence white washed. It 
includes 7/8 of an Acre. We ascend from the house two steps in 
each division. The passages have no gates, only a naked arch 
with a key stone frame, of wood painted white above 10 feet high. 
Going into the Garden they look better than in returning, in the lat- 
ter view they appear from the unequal surface to incline towards 
the Hill. The Strawberry beds are in the upper garden, & the 
whole divisions are not according to the plants they contain. The 
unnatural opening of the Branches of the trees is attempted with 
very bad effect. Beyond the Garden is a Spot as large as the Gar- 
den which would form an admirable orchard now improved as a 
Kitchen garden, & has not an ill effect in its present state. [232] 
The Gardener has only come this year, & is not accountable for the 
arrangement. It was extremely neat, & in comparison had by no 
means an ill effect. The House is [lined?] with a superb fence, but 
is itself a mere country House, one story higher than common with 
a rich owner. 

23. In connection with my design p. 227, I searched the Records 
& I find that on the first day of June 1657, John Willson disposed 
of to Thomas Rootes, a House & Land, &c, lying upon Land of 
William Lord upon the south, & Thomas Rootes upon the north, 
containing two acres of Land. The deed is upon record in Salem, 
Book first, page 42. On 14 November 1681 Thomas Rootes dis- 
poses of this Land in conjunction with his own estate to George 
Hodges, being about four acres, " bounded by the Sea or salt water 
easterly, with the land of Mr Henry Bartholmew in part, & the other 
part with the Common southerly, & the common westerly, & with the 
land of Samuel Gardner jun r partly, & the other part by the salt 
water, northerly. On the Third of December 1722. The Town 
Granted to Gamaliel Hodges " The Town's Land, or Lane, leading 
through at the Eastern end of his the said Hodges' Land, or field, 
being about twenty four [2331 feet in breadth, & twenty five Poles 

*Corner of Essex and Turner streets. 



1790] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 181 

in length. From which it appears, That this Land of Hodges bound- 
ed on Shallop cove northerly. That it bounds on the Salt water 
easterly. That the Road was to Shallop Cove, & probably no fur- 
ther, as the Town dispose of it, without regard to any inconvenience 
to other passages. That the Houses of Wilson, & Rootes, were 
upon this Land in the last of which Rootes lived, when he sold 
to Hodges, & was near the other Virgin Point, as in Hodges deed, 
being south of Rootes Land. As the name of Wilson does not 
appear in the Church Books & there was a Minister of the 
name at Boston, it is not improbable that M r Willson removed 
to join the family, when he sold in 1657. Abigail Lord joined 
the Church 1636, & was living in 1660, & therefore probably 
the original owner her husband mentioned in the old deed of 
1657. To determine whether living or dead in 1660. In that 
year the Church was reestablished & M r Higginson copied out the 
Old Book marking the state of the old Church Members. As 
to M r Thomas Rootes who received the first deed, it appears that 
in 1629 Richard Rootes was in the first covenant, but dead in 1660. 
Josiah Rootes joined in [234] 1648, & in 1651, Catherine Rootes, 
but Thomas was living by the second deed in 1681, & so probably 
was of the second generation. There is but one objection which 
is of great force, that as he signs and disposes as a weaver, he must 
have learnt that Trade in Europe, it not making a distinct profes- 
sion in America. It can only be said that he might have come 
over with his father, & 80 set is not an uncommon age with first 
settlers. Henry Bartholmew upon whom Hodges' deed, southerly, 
was admitted to Communion in 1636, & he was living in 1660. His 
Son Henry was about 25 at the execution of the deed in 1681. The 
Samuel Gardners were probably of the third, & second generation. 
Thomas Gardner in 1629 Covenant was living in 1660, & had 
children in 1654. George Gardner was admitted 1640, & had 
children, his son George in 1654. In 1649 Hannah, dead in 1660. 
I observed no Samuel on the Records. Hilliard Veren who had a 
Child christened in 1651, & Recorded the deed, & witnessed it was 
probably related to Philip Veren, who covenanted in 1629, with 
Dorcas Veren, & to Philip Veren 1640, all of whom were dead in 
1660. George Hodges, mariner came not with [235] the first Set- 
tlers, but was probably first of the name in Salem, being G. Father 
to the present John Hodges, G. G. Father to the present generation. 
The Magistrates were Major Hawthorne & W m Browne. This 
period is very obscure. The history is so mutilated that little can 
be learnt. Mr. Peters makes the complaint of fraudulent designs 
against Connecticut. M r Belnap I have heard to say the same re- 
specting ]S"ew Hampshire, & certainly the vacancy in the Church 
Book, & records of Salem shew an unfriendly design. It is reported 
that the Browne family entrusted the Lynde's with Books, which 



182 DIARY OP [1790 

were afterwards destroyed, by which the State of property might 
at least be known. 

24. In conversation this evening at Gen. Fiske enquired of Rev d 
Bernard whether Presbyters were not laymen, in the sense of men 
appointed by religious societies to superintend their affairs while 
their preachers extended their labors for the common good. Wheth- 
er Paul does not remind them of the Jewish Hacam, when he asks 
whether there was not a wise man among them. And whether the 
Bishops were not such appointed ministers by joint consent, as 
superintended the worship of particular places, and whether each 
could not at his discretion ordain an elected minister ? &c. 

[236] 25. Report that the General Court have refused the 
usual grants to the College & that M r Bacon, formerly a minister of 
Boston stated the College funds at such amount, as left 200£ clear 
to the College. Many popular arguments were used on the occasion. 

26. The funeral of M r8 Webb was the best formed procession in 
testimony of respect to a private character which I have seen in 
Salem. Major Buffington assisted our singing last evening with 
great applause. It is said the Dummer Academy at Newbury has 
been offered to Rev d Mr. Isaac Smith, the present Librarian at 
Cambridge, & that he has been down to review it. The present 
annual rent of the farm is £80. Reports respecting Revd D. Oliver 
of Beverley respecting freedoms with a female servant, tho false per- 
haps, give him great trouble. 

[237] June 27. Sunday. Micah Webb, for death of his Wife, 
& Brethren at Sea. Aaron Batten, Wife's delivery. Samuel Arch- 
er, Wife's delivery & Brethren at Sea. Died this day M r Daniel 
King, Teacher of the Mathematics, aged 86. 

28. An interview with my young friend M r Mason from Charles- 
town from whom I learn many things relating to the Southern 
States. 

29. M r Thayer the Catholic Preacher arrived with full deter- 
mination to preach in the town, & diffuse the Catholic doctrines. 

30. I spent the afternoon with M r Dane of Beverley. M r 
Thayer preached at 6 o'clock in the evening in the Court House. 
He applied to the Selectmen who licenced him, & after a short 
prayer began a vindication of his Church, against th& pretendedly 
reformed. His subjects were " auricular confession, reading of the 
Scriptures," &c. The effect was not in his favor on this first occa- 
sion, & beginning at the wrong end, the work may not succeed to 
his wishes. The Gentlemen attended generally. Rev d M r Oliver of 
Marblehead was present, &c. 

[238] July 2. Freedom in a family I love, has exposed me to those 
little insults which at once expose the petulance of friends, & the 
weakness of our own minds, in being disturbed by such emotions. 
Quere whether souls can be in such unison as to act freely, & act 
safely, without a trial of the chords previously made ? 



1790] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 183 

3. Renewed my visits as formerly to the house in which I once 
had pleasure. The reception kind. This is a counterpart to the 
emotions of yesterday. Why might a history of the mind not be 
as profitable as of the weather? 

[239] [July] 4. Sunday. Notes. Thomas Ashby returned from 
Sea, prayers on death of his Wife & Mother. Sarah Knight sick, & 
for Brethren at Sea. Abraham Watson, dangerously sick. 

5. Close of Gen Washington's Answer to Address of the Hebrew 
Congregation at Savannah. May the same wonderworking Deity, 
who long since delivering the Hebrews from their Egyptian oppres- 
sors, planted them in the promised land — whose providential agency 
has lately been conspicuous in establishing these United States as 
an Independant Nation, still continue to water them with the dews 
of heaven, & to make the inhabitants of every denomination par- 
ticipate in the temporal & spiritual blessings of that people^whose 
God is Jehovah ! 

A Polger of Nantucket it is reported has projected a machine 
with forty wheels & pivots to represent on an eight day clock the 
phases of the sun & moon, as they actually are in the heavens. He 
is said to be of 25 years of age. Weather very warm through the day. 

6. Died, Mr A. Watson, the oldest member of our church. A 
native of Cambridge. He has been very ministerial through a long 
life, of very sober manners, & very useful. His death is regretted 
universally. [240] A M r Lord was drowned by the sinking of a 
Gondola near point of Rocks. He was a Native of Boston, & a 
Baker by Trade. The body was recovered next morning. Quere, 
whether a cause can be assigned for the position of the hands ? He 
was set. 26. He has left a wife, & one child & a Mother. 

7. Died, a M rs Susannah Newell, she was of Lynnfield, an Upton. 
The body is to be carried among her friends & to be deposited in 
the burying Ground in Lynnfield. The deficiency in the payments 
of my Salary, threw me into all those perplexities which often ter- 
minate in daring adventures. 1 had nearly resolved to ask a dismis- 
sion, & again trust myself to the World. My resolution was at 
length to try longer from the pretended imprudence with which I 
might be charged, & by which I might injure others. God grant 
me sober resolution under sufferings so trying to youthful spirits. 

8. A general maxim respecting education that forward children 
are often like plants in a hot bed made by me in common conversa- 
tion has been told to a parent with a personal application "soon ripe, 
soon rotten." So much for Cousin George. Cave ne doleas. 

[241] 9. Spent this afternoon with a large party in the northfields 
upon a plat belonging to M r Silsbee. I visited M r Hawthorne's new 
Barn on the ground near Peter's, alias Goodale's Spring, respecting 
which the Connecticut history has so severely upbraided the ances- 
tors of the Hawthorne family. The spring is now inclosed in Orne's 
barns. I then visited Peter's & Orne's point, which command a 



184 DIARY OF [1790 

full view of the Bridge, the river leading to New mills, the Beverley 
inlet, & Town, Ellingwood's Head, & the ferry lane, & all delight- 
fully shaded by Groves of Natural Woods. I then visited the Wharf 
called Felt's wharf, the Stone wall raised by Silsbee. The widow 
Orne who has taken her thirds in the "Farm. The prospect is agre- 
able. We returned across the River, at eight in the evening. 

Mr Lane near Beckets is raising a new Store for his convenience 
on the Street. Mr John Becket has taken down the old Chimney 
of the Mansion for a compleat repair. The Old Tavern, alias Col- 
lege, alias Becket's House near the Meeting House, has been new 
Shingled.* Brown's Barn, alias the Store of Capt James Chever, 
is moved back to widen the Street near Derby's Wharf. 

[242] 10. Upon reading Bp. of S* David's Charge against 
Priestley for borrowing from Zuicker, & his ingenious refutation, 
& the ample detection of D r Joseph White in his Bampton 
Lectures of assistance from M r Badcock, the publication of Maty's 
Sermon with some belonging to A. B. Seeker in Maty's name, the 
conduct of our own Professor upon the death of D r Winthrop from 
Leland, I could not question that borrowing was not an uncommon 
thing in our Order, & particularly in the present age. 

[July] 11. Sunday. Widow Watson, d. of Husband. John Wat- 
son, Wife & family, d. of Father. Wid. Gardiner, death of B. in 
law Watson. Wid. H. Mansfield apprehending approach 8 death. 
Jon a Newell, & children, death of his wife, youngest child sick. 
Sarah Knight, continuance of prayers for her sick, & brethren at 
Sea. The Small Pox has broken out in three places occasioned by 
a Vessel from the W. Indies, Capt. Webb. The patients were 
carried this day to the Hospital. The Measles continue to spread 
slowly visiting the same family at different times perhaps ten at a 
time in the whole Parish. 

[243] 12. Translated a Letter from M. Damare Governor of Mar- 
tinico to Baron de Cluny, Governor of Guadeloupe, 17 June, 1790. 

It is with the greatest sorrow M. that I inform you of the distur- 
bances on the third of this month, & the violences committed against 
the Mulattoes, & three of their Leaders. The Colony is alarmed in 
an extraordinary manner, & armed force is employed to keep them 
in their duty. This place has been long troubled by a party of mul- 
atoes, whose vile intentions have come to the public knowledge. I 
shall use my utmost care, & beg you to prevent any communications 
between the disaffected & the inhabitants of your Island. I am &c. 

13. Anecdote of Franklin altering his master's types, for his care- 
lessness. 

When the last trumpet soundeth 
We shall not all die 
But we shall all be changed 
In the twinkling of an eye. 

♦Corner of Essex and Hardy streets. 



1790] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 185 

By removing the letter c in the word, he convinced his master of the 
danger of his neglect. 

[244] Tis said, that one day, when Cupid was tired 
Of his sports, & amours, to a bank he retired, 
Where he found Caprice, sullen, stray'd out of her way 
Fixed down in disgust to spend the whole day. 
Tired Cupid began, pray let's hear the tale 
Of the woes which have brought you into this vale, 
Is it an affront you have received, or an injury done, 
Have you wounded a friend, or some quarrel begun. 
At length she replies, in honest confession 
I felt myself vexed, & have made the vexation 
As the Jaundice gives colour to all things I see 
When vexed with others the cause is in me 
The injury done, those I have injured I hate, 
And am now finding reasons the tale to relate, 
So that blame may fall heavy on him I have offended, 
And if the truth suffer, my act be commended. 
Replied Cupid to Caprice, a thought I'll instill, 
Return to your friend with excess of good will 
Make presents, & favors ne'er thought of before 
The grief will be ended & thought of no more. 
Such extremes will well suit the turn of your mind 
But if ever hereafter to affront, you're inclined, 
Remember from me, all love will be lost, 
You'll be cursed with neglect, & die with remorse, 
This was written upon a late event, but never examined, being a 
mere effusion in a solitary moment, & never intended even for choice 
friends. The idea may be improved on some future occasion. 
Shenstone says, men very often suffer their thoughts to be lost, it is 
best to preserve them if it is only in the unpolished state. [245] 
Visited me M r W m Winthrop by whom I sent to my friend Win- 
throp, the two Coins found at Shallop Cove. Numerous specimens 
of Native Cloth. Two Fish Hooks of the Nootka sound & lines, & 
A Chinese Pass. 

14. Visited by My Old Chum Herrick, who is keeping School in 
Beverley. Went to Nahant with Sally Chever whose father sup- 
plied me with an horse. We found a party from Charlestown at 
Breed's, as well as a party from Salem. We visited the usual places, 
felt of the water, & returned by Marblehead road to Salem, after 
ten in the evening. We were detained by leaving the cross roads & 
coming round by the Parson into the great road, on account of the 
Hospital tho' there was not real danger. 

15. On Monday evening last, we were visited by the celebrated 
D r James, an eminent Methodist. He preached in the Tabernacle, 
& we are told is the Forerunner of that Sect in New England, which 
has now become an object for their Missions. D r Price in his late 



186 DIARY OP [1790 

Revolution sermon after correcting some asperities against them in 
the second edition, blaming the neglect of learned & rich men in 
regard to public worship, says, of the lower orders of the people, 
" many of whom, while then* superiors give up all religion, are sink- 
ing [246] into an enthusiasm in religion lately revived. They have 
extended themselves surprisingly in the States southward of New 
York, & in Nova Scotia, & have hopes from us. I cannot foresee 
what may be their success. " This evening I was invited to a Mar- 
riage by a negro Servant, as a specimen of curious attention from a 
singular family. 

16. The Methodistic preacher appeared again this evening & con- 
verted all his former praise into censure by freely opening his opin- 
ions on his terrible subjects, &c. He is to preach tomorrow morn- 
ing at five o'clock. Severe thunder & lightning this night. Damage 
was done to a House in Lynnfield, but no lives lost of which we 
have heard. A Humming Bird was caught by flying into a House, 
& put into a lanthern of glass. It roosted all night, in the morning 
fed itself on pinks, larkspur, &c. put in with it, flew against the 
glass striking it with its wings & bill. It faultered before noon, & 
was carried into a Flower Garden. It was not able to fly in the 
open air, & soon after died. While confined at the window the other 
humming birds came & sat on a line opposite making notes of com- 
plaint, to which it answered, & upon which it roused itself, tho' 
seemingly at rest, after they disappeared. One neighbour reports 
that she kept one tamed for a full month. 

[247] 17. Our Cherry, Plum, & Pear Trees are visited by an 
Insect resembling a snail, naked, discharging freely a slimy sub- 
stance, & emiting an odious scent especially in the evening. The 
leaves are entirely withered under their depredations. Bomare 
nearly describes the insect, & mentions that they appear in wet 
seasons of which kind the present is a remarkable one. This day 
the Duck Manufactory began their first piece of Duck. They have 
been long spinning, but a full supply of flax is not to be obtained. 
Quere whether D r Smith's idea will not be found to be just. 

[July] 18. Sunday. Notes. Elizabeth Andrew, death of her 
father Watson. The Methodist preached this day at Marblehead, 
& this evening at the Tabernacle. He has preached in Boston, & 
several times in the Presbyterian Church in Newbury Port. I am 
however uncertain from various reports of his name. Three per- 
sons lie dangerously ill of Consumption. A Polly Whittemore, a 
M" Williams, & a M r8 Nesbitt. The measles proceed slowly. 
They have been fatal to many in Town, tho' not in my own Soci- 
ety. Complaints are numerous. The Season has been very wet. 

[248] 19. Visited M r Putnam, confined by a broken leg, a Gen- 
tleman who addresses the second daughter of General Fiske. 
Quere, how much longer our present Stone Walls will last than the 



1790] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 187 

old one made of smaller stones, or whether they have not stood 
firm under the old buildings, & ages in open air ? Whether blind- 
ers upon the outside of windows are not more troublesome than 
within ? Questions agitated this day ? The old walls may be 
crushed not canted. Cellars most remarkable for caving in. Blasts 
of air, & carelessness of Servants render the latter troublesome. A 
new method of making them small so as to rest within the frame 
on the outside of the windows, a tacit acknowledgement. 

20. Attended the Baptism of a Mary Whittemore. Her father 
has absented from his family, & has become wretched by his vices. 
The Mother lived in the New Fort, & then removed into the Upper 
part of the Town. She has since returned among us into Uncle 
Diman's House, for the benefit of a Son in the Ropewalk. The 
young woman is in a declining state. 

21. Being Commencement I went to Cambridge. The weather 
being uncommonly fine, there was a great concourse of people. 
For the first time a Stage was erected in the body of the Meeting 
House for the [249] exhibitions. I did not enter. I dined with 
Mr Winthrop, attended a few friends from Salem, visited the scenes 
of amusement, lodged in Cambridge, & next morning went to Bos- 
ton. 

22. I went to the Lecture & heard Mr Cummings of Bilerica. 
Visited & dined with Deacon Ridgway, waited upon D r Lathrop, 
engaged an Exchange with M r Freeman, & returned to Salem. 
M r Winthrop favored me with a miniature of the first Governor 
Winthrop, which was with me a very high Compliment. I heard 
the case of a paralytic. The application of Blisters being thought 
upon the injured side to increase the rigidity of the fibres, already 
suffering in that state. The Patient was ordered to bathe that side 
in warm water, & to lay much on that side. The recovery was 
soon, & the person enabled to walk without sensible inconvenience. 
This from M r Winthrop. A M r Morse of Charlestown has begun a 
course of Lectures upon the Trinity at the Thursday Lecture. The 
Clergy fear the controversy should be opened & yet the Orthodox 
will be meddling with it. D r Edwards of New Haven has written 
against Chauncy, & the greatest pains are taken to give accurency to 
his work by his adherents. M r Freeman & I are thought to be the 
Editors of Emlyn's Extracts. M r Freeman denies the charge, as do I. 

[250] 23. A very warm day, & many parties upon the water 
& engaged in scenes of diversion. 

24. A Woman was discovered to have the small Pox near 
the old Alms House, & was conveyed with her child to the 
Hospital. Great expressions of desire to open the Hospital, to 
which the Town will very reluctantly submit. Walked down to 
Derby's Farm on the Neck & spent the da} r , on account of the heat. 
The fishing very good in such weather with a small breeze. A Miss 
Hale at Aunt Gibauts', who has been a subject of these religious 



188 DIARY OF [1790 

experiences which are so much sought by the enthusiasts of New 
England. Her good sense will direct her passions in better health. 
[251] [July] 25. Sunday. Notes. Mary Whitteinore & Mother 
for daughter sick. W. Sarah Knight & children, for death of 
Daughter. The Catholics in Boston have almost rejected Thayer, 
who this evening preached in this Town, at the same time an enthu- 
siast and Anabaptist, named Crosman among the Independants. 

26. The question agitated before the Selectmen, whether to warn 
Strangers out of Town, in order to save the Town from the charges 
of the Poor. It is found in fact that the greater part of the whole 
property is in the hands of persons not Town born, & in the best 
streets even a majority of freeholders. 

27. M r Thayer called upon me, & mentioned his purpose to open 
a Mass house in this town. M r Rousselet having an appointment 
from the Bishop, & having been publicly received at Boston. He 
sinks fast in the public esteem, & has no prospect of success. A 
very large party upon the water, & another at a Turtle at Putnam's, 
Danvers. The Methodists preach upon Boston Common & are em- 
ploying their whole force upon us. The Governor has had a Para- 
lytic shock. Party has much subsided respecting the Supreme 
Officer in the Commonwealth. 

28. The proportions at the last visitation of Schools in Salem 
seemed to be nearly 

in the Grammar School. 16. 

in Northey's Middle School. 100. 

in Hacker's Western School. 140. 

in East School, Lang's. 180. 



in all Males. 436. 

All the Girls unprovided for, as upon the Boston Establishment. 

Lane is building a new Barn or Store near his House in Becket's 
Lane. Mr John Becket is thoroughly repairing his House, which 
by neglect has long appeared in a ruinous condition. Chever has 
carried the Barn back which stood upon the Road near Derby's 
Wharf & amply repaired it. M r Townsend in Becket's Lane is 
framing a Store to be raised near his House. Fences repairing in 
several places. Phippen between his House & White's. 

[253] Capt Chipman returning to this port at one o'clock last 
night in a heavy rain got upon Abbott's rock. The danger of losing 
the vessel was judged eminent, but she was gotten off at noon by 
lightening her. 

This afternoon E went to ride with Nancy Townsend, one of my 
singers. We passed Pickman's Farm towards Philips Beach. We 
turned to the right in the road from Lynn to Marblehead, & then 
in a few roods crossed at the left. There are several valuable 
Farms on this Spot. We arrived in a bad road of one mile & 1/2 
at Philips Beach so called about 1/6 of a mile long, we then alighted 



1790] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 189 

& passed bars & descended upon Blaney's Beach, which was of 
greater length. I then passed alone over another head land & 
crossed King's or Needham's Beach, above 1/2 a mile long, & was 
upon the next headland within 1/4 of a mile of the Great Nahant 
Beach. I returned then & received my Companion, & stopped at 
Mr Reid's on Browne's Farm, now in the possession of his widow. 
He conducted me to a Beach at the bottom of his Farm, extending 
above 1/2 mile, & exceeding in length either of the other Beaches 
excepting Nahant. We entered through land cast up by the sea, 
about midway of the Beach & North of a Pond formed by the beach 
cast up & covering about nine acres. It is drained of the greatest 
body of water, which is cast into it by a Storm, through a ditch 
opened every time. [254] At each end of the Beach the banks 
are high, & steep & closed with large rocks particularly at the 
northern end, projecting to Ram Island, Pig & Sunken rocks are 
directly off this Beach, & the Light House of Boston on the south 
view. The Farm consists of 375 acres, & is this year in a very 
flourishing state, & is cultivated in the following manner. 20 acres 
of Indian Corn. 20 acres of Barley, & Buck Wheat. Rye blasts. 
3 acres of flax, & 4 of Potatoes. 50 Head of Cattle is the principal 
Stock, 29 Cows are milked. A very few Sheep are on the Farm. 
The Farmer has ten children, & is a Native of Woburn. We re- 
turned, & passed off to the right, & came into Lynn Road 1/2 a 
mile nearer to Marblehead. We then turned round into Salem 
Road, & came by Gardner's mills homewards. There are many 
little boats laying along above the Beach. These are the property 
of men in the neighbouring towns, who come down in the months 
of April, May & June, & fish for cod, haddock, perch, &c. with con- 
siderable success. They will accommodate from 8 to 10 men on the 
seats, & much resemble whale boats, tho' most have flat bottoms. 
The Shore is broken from Browne's Beach towards Marblehead neck, 
& Tinker's Island which were in full view on the head north of 
Browne's Beach. There are short landing places between the pro- 
jecting naked rocks. I suspect that little company visits this place, 
from the readiness to serve without pay, & solicitations, &c. Bam 
96 by 36 feet. 

[255] 29. My friend M r Isaac White has drawn a prize of 500 
Dollars in the State Lottery. Such success has increased the dis- 
position for adventuring, & this is the Subject of general conversa- 
tion. Schemes are every day projecting in warm imaginations for 
the money when it comes. Repairs are making upon the road lead- 
ing into the Common, called Ives' Lane,* by plowing upon the 
Common, & removing the earth into the Lane. 

30. The subject for public speculation is a Preference between 
M r E. H. Derby & his late India adventurers, respecting their priv- 
ileges during the voiage. The Referees are Brown, Thorndike & 

•Pleasant street. 



190 DIARY OF [1790 

Lee of Beverley. Capt Crowninshield lias not come in, but waits 
the event. 

31. Some disagreeable intelligence respecting the conduct of 
some of my friends or rather parishioners in very disingenuous lib- 
erties taken against me. Went down to the Fort with M r W m Ma- 
son lately from Charlestown. 

August 1. Sunday. Thomas Dean & Wife, death of their 
child. Andrew English & Wife for her sick. Remembered the 
death of the M r A. Watson at Communion. This may tend to 
assist the Communicants, &c. 

[256] 2. A Town meeting to determine whether the Hospital 
in the Great Pasture should be opened for Inoculation by the Small 
Pox. The vote passed in the negative 59, ag. 47. A M r Jon a Ropes 
.& Barr were chief Speakers against the proposal. M r Richardson 
is this day raising the frame of a Barn on the land adjoining to his 
House of proportions 54 by 22 feet. 

3. Endeavored to conciliate matters with some friends of my 
.acquaintance by approaches which I deem condescentions of Office, 
& am filled with serious apprehensions upon what future determin- 
ations I may be forced. God assist me with fortitude. 

4. Attended the Vendue of the effects belonging to the Estate 
of Josiah Orne. The sales were high in almost every instance. 
Reports of the assumption of the State debts by the General Govern- 
ment. A very popular measure in this State, among men of property. 

5. Received of Brother Homer a Copy of his Artillery Election 
Sermon. This Gentleman entered with me upon life, we belonged 
to a religious society at College. He has become a very liberal 
man, after many austerities, &c. 

[257] 6. Severe storm of Thunder & Lightning. It struck be- 
low us upon a Work Shop on Palfrey's Land belonging to M r Bab- 
bidge & C°. It entered at the eves descended a rafter which it 
split, & passed upon a large Saw hanging from the beam into which 
the rafter entered. It then descended upon the Stern of a boat, just 
pitched, set fire to the pitch & burnt the whole end of the boat 
black so as to take off the whole pitch, & passed off. The distance 
of the saw from the boat not one foot. 

7. Went for Boston in company with D r Walter, formerly of 
Boston, & had a pleasing conversation. 

[Aug.] 8. Sunday. Preached at the Chapel Church for M r Free- 
man, & baptised an Adult. 

9. Visited the Duck Manufactory in which there were not many 
Spinners at the time, & returned to Salem. The Ship Columbia 
came in from her voyage round the world. The first adventurer 
from America & it is hoped with pleasing success. 

[258] 10. Find great encomiums upon M r Freeman, & a unan- 
imously favorable judgement. His ingenuous declarations entitle 
him to the esteem & confidence of the friends of Truth. 



1790] 



REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 191 



11 Went to Nahant & spent the day. I had Capt Ingersolls' 
Chaise & Son. We succeeded in fishing, & caught a Lobster. The 
weather very pleasant upon our return. Gen. Fiske with me in the 

eV 19 1Dg Weather very warm. I went down & spent the afternoon 
upon the Neck. Reports of a Hurricane at the Cape of Good Hope, 
which has given us some anxiety for our friends. 

13 In the beginning of this week there was a meeting ot the 
Town called by the Selectmen, to determine whether they should 
not controul the Surveyor of ways in the expenditure of money, or 
in the manner of repairs. The Town dismissed the question & the 
result has been great dissatisfaction in the Selectmen. The Small 
Pox having broken out again in a large family, no measures have 
vet been taken to remove the infected. Such consequences follow 
the choice of men, who have not the hearty public approbation. 
These iealousies & parties are frequent. 

T2591 14 The weather continued hot. Our member returned 
from Congress. I crossed the River to Beverley in a Canoe. 
M r Dane sets off on Tuesday for New York, on Settlement 

TAuffi 15. Sunday. Notes. Nathaniel Phippen & Wife, for 
death of his Brother, & for Brethren at Sea. Susannah Dean with 
her Children for death of her eldest Son, & for her Husband & Son 
at Sea. Margaret Strout for death of her child & Husband & 
Brethren at Sea. Mary Whittemore in apprehension of death. 
Jon a Archer & Wife, her delivery. 

16 Weather continues warm. Letter from my Brother, assur- 
ing me that the miniatures sent to him may be set in silver for 
twenty nine shillings. 

17 A Squable between Vox Populi & Decency in the Gazette, 
in which one part is attributed to me. The subject is some 
illiberal charges on the government. I am verging fast into the 
opposite extreme of conduct. My freedom has been condemned. 
I am now almost a Monk tho' rather in a Garret, than in a Cell. 

T2601 18 Last evening Capt Joseph Lambert departed this 
life very suddenly. He drank Tea in the family, & went to bed as 
usual, tho' under infirmities of long continuance. He was 
heard to rise from bed, but upon his friends entering the chamber 
he laid down & expired at 1/2 past nine o'clock. He was a man of 
great virtues, & great vices. He was the best of Sons the most 
kind of fathers, the most tender relation, & charitable to all who 
applied in their distresses. He has left an aged Mother about M), 
aft A widow, his second wife. One Son, & five daughters, all 
married, but one. He has many Grandchildren. He has left five 
sisters behind him. He will be sincerely regretted by a numerous 
train of dependant relations. I attended the funeral of Mary Whit- 
temore from Deacon Seccombe's in Danvers, as it was her last re- 



192 DIARY OF [1790 

quest to lay in the old ground with her relations. The weather 
was stormy, but the procession very decent. 

19. The funeral Procession of Captain Lambert. It was very 
respectable. The number of relations is uncommonly great. This 
day had several free conferences on my own affairs, which may con- 
tribute much to my usefulness if regarded. The subject from 
which they arise are comparisons, [261] importance of several 
classes, & individual parishioners, &c. 

20. Set out for Benj a Kitteridge, Physician in Tewkesbury, 
upon a complaint of one in the family. Capt Elkins & his 
Sister Sleuman, & Capt Byrne & his wife made the company. We 
stopped at Upton's, at Eev d Stone's, Reading, at Esq r Ford's, M r 
Boardman's before we reached the Dr's. He was modest in his 
advice & charges which amounted only to 5 s / tho' we feasted at his 
house. We dined at Rogers, returned, & visited Esq r Ford, & were 
well received, returned as far as Upton's & lodged on account of 
the indisposition of one of the company. 

21. Reached home at eight o'clock. Expenses, at Upton's /4 d , 
at Rogers 1/6, at Upton's 2/10. 

[Aug.] 22. Sunday. Mary Lambert, death of her Son, and G. 
Children at Sea. Mary Lambert, d. of her Husband & p. for sons 
at Sea. Sarah Underwood, d. of her Brother & p. for Sons at Sea. 
Margaret White, d. of her Brother. Elizabeth Phillips, d. of her 
Brother & p. for Son at Sea. Andrew Presson & wife, d. of her 
Brother & for a Son at Sea. Mary Whittemore, d. of her daughter. 
Wid. Mary Lander, d. of her daughter. Jon a Richards, d. of a near 
friend. He addressed Polly Whittemore. 

[262] 23. Had the pleasure of the Company of Bev d J. Eliot 
from Boston. Various conversation employed the day. 

24. Capt Murphy arrived in Town, having come passenger in 
Capt Carpenter from E. Indies, & having sold his vessel. Thayer 
the noted Convert, made forcible entry we are told, into the Catholic 
Church. M r Rousselet endeavoured to dispossess him by a civil 
Officer, but was unsuccessful. Thayer is supported by the Irish, & 
Rousselet by the french. Thayer at length dispossessed. 

25. THE CADET COMPANY paraded & dined at Dan vers. 
M rs Vans dyed, the wife of W. Vans Esq 1 *, & relation by marriage 
to the Crowninshields. An Andrews fell from the eves of an house, 
& probably will not recover. 

26. Attended two funerals of children. One was of M r Rich- 
ardson's child at the other end of the Town, in the absence of the 
minister, set. 13 months. M r R. married a Townsend. The Dysen- 
tery has threatened but I have but one subject, & not dangerous. 
The Measles are deemed unkind, they leave children in fevers , & are 
very slow in their progress. Several children are now sick with the 
fever, & dangerously. 

[263] 27. A Writ sent into the Parish by M r Diman for the 



1790] .REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 193 

delinquencies in payment to his Father, amounting to 225£. The 
principal arguments used unjustly in favor of the Delinquents, are 
that no services were actually performed for the time, & that a con- 
siderable part of the Parishioners never did attend worship in the 
East House, & have since moved, & removed, into & from said 
Parish. This Writ was lodged with General Eiske, & by him de- 
livered to Capt. B. Ward, & [by] him shewn to me. 

28. A very fine day after the Rain. The public find little news 
& the present is the most quiet time I have ever known. Private 
scandal takes place usually of public topics of conversation. But I 
am upon terms of intimacy with few. 

[Aug.] 29. Sunday. Joshua Dodge & Wife & Children for her 
Mother's death. Edw : Gibaut & Wife, d. of Sister Vans, & son at 
Sea. John Gunnison & wife, d. of youngest Child. 

30. Spent this evening with Hon : Goodhue, our member of Con- 
gress. The interview was happy & pleasant. Mr Bernard, & M. 
Hiller accompanied me. We conversed freely upon the late piece 
in the Gazette, Vox Populi. 

[264] 31. Saw the end of a little child of John Collins which 
was to be named for me, & the Christian name only would I accept. 

[265] September 1. Received the Journal of Governor Win- 
throp, whose character is justly dear to the settlers in New Eng- 
land. Two funerals of children from the same neighbourhood. 

2. Went to Marblehead side in company with Capt Chever, &c. 
Ranged the Hill at Nogg's Head,* & drank Tea at a House near the 
Perry. 

3. Purchased [several volumes] at Langsf Vendueheld at Page's 
alias Cabot's Store. Samuel Smith was buried this afternoon. He 
had lived till near 80 with his Maiden Sister, who removed with 
him to the Alms house after they were advanced in life. He always 
shewed a very compliant temper, which made their agreement, & 
mutual confidence remarkable. 

[266] 4. On this day was a meeting of the Parish at two 
o'clock to consult respecting the demand made by the heirs of Rev d 
James Diman, deceased. Whatever their proceedings I — did not 
enquire but they chose a Committee consisting of Richard Manning, 
Esq 1 ', Joseph White & Robert Stone. The choice of the meeting 
shews the disposition. God only knows what may be the result. 
If I do not hear more of the reproaches of the people than other 
ministers, & see more of human depravity, then I hope ministers 
are endued with superior fortitude to any I possess. It is a trying 
time with me. 

[Sept.] 5. Sunday. Notes. Susannah Babbidge, d. of G. 
Child, & for sons at Sea. Mercy Smith, d. of her Brother. John 
Collins, d. of youngest child. Elizabeth Cotton, d. of only child. 

*Now known as " Naugus Head." 

t William Lang (1750-1821), a well-known auctioneer. 



194 DIARY OF [1790 

Husband & friends at Sea. Lydia Dean, delivery, Husband and 
Brothers at Sea. 

6. A Son of M r Ward named S. Curwin invited Company after 
the publ : of the Bands.* A very large number of Gentlemen were 
present, & high glee on the occasion. 

[267] 7. The District Court sat in this Town, a circumstance 
which reminds us of our late political establishment. 

8. The Proprietor's meeting at which the same Committee was 
chosen again, the Treasurer has resigned it is said partly in conse- 
quence of the base interposition of a most revengeful animal who 
appeared at the meeting to make disturbance. 

9. This morning a young man by the name of Proctor put an 
end to his life, leaving a wife & child. The cause is not even con- 
jectured. He was in easy living. The jury of inquest gave a ver- 
dict, insanity, tho ! there was no specific instance, but proof of gen- 
eral melancholy for sometime. The Militia both Train band & 
Alarm list appeared this day under the seperate command of their 
respective Captains. They were conducted to the Houses, & the 
Train Bands treated by the Officers. A disagreable firing before 
& after the Muster shewed that they were not under the best com- 
mand. Some opposition was aimed against the appearance of the 
Alarm list by the man of judgement, by proposing a vote against 
it even in the presence of the Brigadier General at the Office. 

[268] 10. At the funeral of the Suicide, the minister of the 
Episcopal Church delivered a prayer at the house with the friends, 
excusing the omission at the grave because the person was unbap- 
tised. A Great Concourse at the funeral. 

11. Went to Boston, and found M r Freeman very sick. He is 
the just object of the kind concern of all good men. I spent the 
afternoon with him, & saw at his house M r West, & M r Rousselet. 
M r R. informs me that in consequence of the proceedings mentioned 
p. 262, Thayer by his friends obtained a lease of the French Meet- 
ing House for three years , & M r R. has removed & performs divine 
service in his own House. He intends to dispute the title to the 
House. Thayer is taken off in the Gazettes, & forsaken by his 
friend Campbell. 

[Sept.] 12. Sunday. I performed at M r Eliots in the morning, 
& went after service & read prayers & preached for M r Freeman, 
before a small but respectable assembly, & in the afternoon I 
preached for D r Lathrop with whom I had exchanged. The first 
time in which I ever performed three services. I was blamed at 
Lathrop for rapid delivery. Spent the evening at D l Rands & 
heard of the conviction of Edward Vail Brown for Burglary. 
[269] He lived near the North School in Boston, while I kept it, 
& sustained an excellent character till he was connected with bad 
company. 

*Banns. 



1790] EEV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 195 

13. Rose at 3 in the morning & in the Portsmouth stage arrived 
at -£ past seven at Salem. We had our public Training or Review 
of the Militia. Col. Abbot, Lieu. Col. Page, Major Harthorne, 
Capt Saunders of the Cadets, & Buffington of the Artillery. The 
Captains in the Regiment are B. Brown, J. Becket, Saunderson, 
Ciishing, and others unknown to me. The appearance was decent, 
and reputable. A Cold Collation was on the Common at Two 
o'clock. Were present from out of Town, The Adjutant General 
Donaldson, The deputy Adj. G. J. Tracey, and the Major General 
Titcomb & his aid Mr Bradbury, with other officers. The day 
ended without any accident. 

14. The association met in Town at M r Princes, & we had a ser- 
mon from M r M c Keen of Beverley. The militia mustered in Mar- 
blehead this day, & appeared with greater order than the most san- 
guine friends expected. We had free conversation in the evening 
on theological subjects, but the consequences are to be feared in 
narrow minds. 

[270] 15. I went to Lynn to see their Regiment reviewed, in 
company with M" Sleuman, who consented to go in consequence of 
her present indisposition from a weakness in the knee, forbidding 
her usual exercise. We found excellent preparations at Johnson's 
for the Company. The Regiment appeared under the command of 
Col. Breed, & behaved with great propriety. The Dep : Adj : Gen : 
told me they mustered 230 effective men. In Marblehead 320, & 
in Salem 380. In each town the number had increased since last 
year, above forty in Salem, 20 in Marblehead, & six in Lynn. I 
returned in the evening & received a very polite Letter from gentle- 
men of the Chapel Church, certifying that a subscription had been 
filled for my sermon last Sunday & desiring a copy for the press. 
This is the gratitude for my unfeigned regard to their friend M r Free- 
man. This Sermon I have preached in very many pulpits, & with 
kind acceptance, but being written in the early part of my ministry 
must be deemed a youthful composition. My friends advise me to 
yield to the very polite request, which will only oblige me to study 
the more. 

[271] 16. The Review at Danvers near Putnam's, I was not 
present. This was part of the Regiment conjointly with Beverley 
and they have now a petition at Court for a Separation. 

17. In the morning I went for Cape Ann to attend their Review, 
& arrived at noon. The Review was in the old Parish one mile 
from the Harbour. The meeting house has had no stated worship 
since the death of M r Rogers above seven years, & is much out of 
repair. After the Harbour was settled this parish being divided 
the adherents to the old Church were few, & much lessened in num- 
bers by the war. The parade was a triangular spot adjoining to 
the Meeting House. There was an Artillery Company under Major 
Pherson, & imder the idea of independance at variance with the 



196 DIAEY OF [1790 

regiment. The Artillery dined in a tent in the Harbour, the Regi- 
mental Officers & General, &c. at Col. Pierce's J a mile above the 
Parade, in a pleasant situation. After the firings, a few bickerings 
happened but soon subsided, & the Regiment marched into the Har- 
bour Streets & dismissed. There was a very genteel assembly of 
Ladies, &c. in the evening, the Boston Band, &c. I dined with 
Col. Pierce, Tea at D. Roger's, supped at Epes Sergeants, & Break- 
fasted at Capt. D. Pierce's on Saturday morning. Reg. 330. 

[272] 18. Returned to Salem, & arrived at noon. I have ob- 
served whenever Independant Companies have been established, 
they have ever been engaged in contentions with the Militia. The 
uniform itself being partial operates to the discouragement of the 
poorer citizens, & injuries that very order of men upon which a 
country depends for its defence. 

[Sept.] 19. Sunday. Notes for Susannah Harthorne, sick. 
The child of B. Pickman christened this day at Bernard's meeting 
house by Bernard. 

20. Wrote an answer to B. Freeman on the subject of the Ser- 
mon asked for the press, shewing the partiality of my people in 
turn to his excellent Sermon on Candor. Entertainment at Os- 
good's after publishing the bands of marriage. 

The matter of the Catholic Church in Boston is debated in the 
Boston Papers. Thayer appeared in the Centinel of last Saturday, 
& bids defiance to his enemies, & refuses to give any satisfaction in 
the Gazette. While the Catholics are divided, their adversaries 
have nothing to boast. The protestant episcopal church is rent by 
factions. There is a Convention of their Churches appointed to 
meet on the 5 th of October in this Town. Their purpose is to main- 
tain the doctrine of Lay [273] concurrence in the Election of a 
Bishop to set aside the former proceedings of the Clergy, noticed 
in the General Convention, & to deliberate on the most happy 
method of their establishment. They have at present six Priests. 

DD. Samuel Parker, of Trinity C. Boston. 

DD. [Lynde] Walter, lately received at Christ C. in Boston. 

N. Fisher, of S l Peter's, Salem. 

T. F. Oliver, of S l Michael's, Marblehead. 

DD. [Edward] Bass, of S l Paul's, Newbury P. 

& a M r Wheeler, Itinerant Preacher in the Societies of Brantree, 
&c. They claim fifteen churches, the small ones are Taunton, 
Marshfield, Dedham, Bridgewater, Scituate, Milton, Cambridge, 
Portland, & Pownalborough. D r Parker & Oliver have adopted the 
sentiments of Bp. Seabury, that the Laity are not concerned in the 
Election of a Bp. The Hilt of the Sword of the opposite party is at 
New York. Dalton our first Senator at Newbury is active here, and 
the Salem minister gratifying some of his implacable resentments. 

The Congregational churches are infested with a sett of men 
called [274] Hopkintonians, & who create contentions wherever 



]790] REV - WILLIAM BENTLEY l97 

thev come. Several in our neighbourhood have been violently 
thrust hi, & are about to be thrust out. While the anabaptists 
Sut ducation & reputation profit by the dissentions. Ogden 
of Portsmouth not deficient in zeal is determined to "fluent the 
Episcopal interest in Neiv Hampshire, to keep them fromth , piesent 
Convention in the Bay, & support tis growing ^T \J C a T 
copal churches are formed in Haverhill & Holderness. CaptT 
Welman is this day raising a Store in the yard, adjoining to his 
Mansion house, directly in a line with my window from the water. 
M r Very is placing a new fence between his house & Shop on the 
Street below Ives' Lane, after long need of it. 
2i Convocation. 

Hark, the pulpit drum does beat 
Down at Salem all must meet, 
To pull down Samy Parker, 
F 0r y — now he doth clearly see, 
A mighty rival there may be 
Found in our Billy Walter. 
r2751 October fifth's the dreadful day 

When N. Y. engines shall display 
Their vengeance on the Bishop 
And Clergy too, who held the dish 
And passing by the Salem fish, 
At once caught honest bass up. 
Should debates grow warm, yet fears dispel 
The fish bit hard, but lost the chapel. 
'Gainst F — m a protest he drew 
& 'Gainst his priests to P . . . t flew 
With sad, ft high complaining. 
Tis all his strength, to make ado 
He can't convince, but plague you 
Let floundering, flouncing tame him. 
oo At 1/2 past 6 in the morning I went from Salem for Haver- 
hill, io attend at a Review of the Regiment, ft to visit C^Elkms 
who is superintending the building of a Vessel. I "™*" 
Porter's Topsfield about nine miles from Salem & made my ^first 
sta-e I then passed the meeting house on my left, ft turned at the 
buying ground 1/4 mile beyond, keeping the most direct road, 
avoiding the road leading to Ipswich & Newbury on the right ft to 
Indover &c. on the left I passed Topsfield pond on my right, & 
went off from it at the upper end. This pond I had visited before. 
Within a r2T6] few miles I passed a beautiful ft small pond nearly 
round & bofd banks on the left, & afterwards another on the same 
skle having made a mistake in turning to the left, instead of keep- 
in- on about 7 miles from the ferry. I soon mounted a Hill, 
which gave me a sight of Haverhill steeple 4 miles before I reached 



198 DIARY OF [1790 

the ferry, & this part of the road was worst, mountanous, but under 
repair. When I arrived at the ferry, I found that the Keview was 
to be on Bradford side, & left my carriage, but afterwards by send- 
ing for it I was involved in several perplexities from receiving a 
wrong one. I carried letters to a M rs Carleton, who was formerly a 
Bowes, & of the Brown family, sister of M rs Homans. I found Capt 
Elkins at Herod's Tavern below the Meeting House. The Land- 
lord was a neighbour in Boston, & has a fine family of 9 children. 
I put up at this house, & found the best connections in the place, 
& very kind treatment. I visited the ship yard. I found only the 
Vessel of Capt Elkins on the Stocks. She is not of great burden. 
The Town has many good houses. An extensive prospect, being 
[277] situate upon rising ground, descending to the river ; upon 
whose bank is the great Street. The Street extends a full mile but 
the group of house are at the upper end, & the dwelling Houses 
chiefly above the Street. At the lower end, is an elegant Seat of 
the Saltonstals, now the property of Mr Watson of Plimouth. It 
has about 30 acres of land, an ancient row of Elms, & Buttons, & 
most engaging Prospect of the River and adjacent country. At the 
upper end of the Street is the Baptist Meeting House, the only re- 
spectable assembly of that denomination in the County, & that is 
lessening. It was f ound d about 30 years ago during the ministry of 
M r Bernard, by a M r Hezekiah Smith, who is the present pastor. 
It is much out of repair, as are houses in general of that denomina- 
tion. The assembly Boom is in an unfinished building. Below is 
a Shop, & the entrance into the Room is by a flight of Stairs behind 
the Shop. As it is upon the Street, it opens into a Gallery with a 
handsome painted balustrade. Over the fire place at the opposite 
end is a loft for the band, & the whole Room is finely arched, & 
convenient. [278] The drawing Room is behind. The Congre- 
gational Church has a most excellent site. It is facing you as you 
ascend a street leading from the main street into the Country. The 
Houses round are pleasant & in a good style. It is painted white, 
has a steeple & small bell, which rings at one & nine in the evening. 
The interior part of the Church is without elegance, or any distinc- 
tion. From the Street we are conducted a few rods back into the 
Duck Manufactory set up, & carried on by a Mr Blodget, a very in- 
genious mechanic, of some rank formerly in N. Hampshire. His 
looms are constructed so as every part by pins, & wedges may be 
brought to any convenient form, & his spinners use the method 
which has in substance been adopted from them in Salem. The 
wheel which turns all the spindles may be assisted by the feet & 
hands at discretion, & is turned below. By a small weight he causes 
a stand for a lamp or candle to return, & it is conducted out by a 
wire fastened to the Spinner, at a convenient distance. He has 
eight looms going, & room for eight more. He has many good 
specimens of his Duck, which by a small anchor he lays in the river 



1790] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 199 

[279] for necessary soaking, &c. There were three distilleries, but 
one of them is changed into a Brewery, & with considerable success. 
The water of the river is pronounced very fit for the purpose. In 
this Town resides our Chief Justice Sergeant. Back of the Meet- 
ing House & on the side is the House of the Rev d M r Shaw. The 
scene was engaging while I was present. The River was alive with 
Boats. The opposite Shore crowded with Spectators & every diver- 
sion was pursued which rural life admits. The Regiment consisted 
of 800 rank & file, & the Company of Horse. The men were well 
dressed. The Col. named Brickett, at whose house was an entertain- 
ment for the Clergy, the Officers dining at Bradford on the opposite 
side of the River. He is by profession a Physician. There was a 
manly freedom in the higher class of people, but a strange contrast 
to the manners of the lower people, who being employed, instead of 
forming upon the rivers on rafts, & lumbering, have very much the 
manners of the people in the province of Maine, & have their dis- 
tinguishing vices, intemperance & want of punctuality in their deal- 
ings. [280] The soil on the Road through Boxf ord was light, but 
better in Bradford. At Haverhill the river is one 1/8 of a mile 
wide, & the tide flows commonly about 4 feet. We are carried over 
in Gondolas, when we have carriages. I saw only the young ladies 
of the place. 

23. I returned as far as Newbury. I came down Haverhill side 
with an intention to pass at Cottle's ferry, 4 miles below the Town. 
There is a ferry called Russel's 3 miles, entering the road by a Brick 
house on the right. But as the waterman lives on the other side, & 
Cottle on this, they establish it as a rule to pass down by Cottle's 
& return by Russel's ferry. After passing these ferries there are 
two roads, one on the bank of the river, & the other through the 
country, the latter being preferable for carriages I chose it but lost 
the beautiful prospect of the river, with which I had hitherto been 
entertained. At the first turning out I was soon brought into the 
lower road again & found 1 had passed a group of houses on the 
banks, but about 5 1/2 miles from Amesbury, I went 1/2 mile di- 
rectly from the river, & lost every good prospect till I reached the 
Town. Upon passing on both sides I found on this the prospect 
most extensive but the roads are very hilly on this side. [281] I 
soon entered the upper parish which has an elegant meeting house, 
pediment on front, & lately painted of a light colour. I passed 
this on my left, and a few miles below passed on the left the lower 
Meeting House much out of repair. This House was formerly 
used by Mr Hillert a Presbyterian, who has withdrawn with his 
party, & built a House a little back from this spot, & has lately 
been rejected for intemperance. They settled a Bell, a most extrav- 
agant preacher, who is also dismissed. The Country is not the 
most fertile, it is much more productive on the opposite banks. 
They plant Indian Corn & sow flax, I saw no experiments on other 



200 DIARY OF [1790 

grain. As we pass we see at a mile's distance on our left Salisbury 
meeting House, & as there is a lock of the river between Salisbury 
& Amsbury, on the banks of the River at the entrance there is a 
convenient draw Bridge, which has a good effect as seen from the 
river. Several vessels of considerable burden were upon the Stocks, 
& many under repairs in view as we passed. Having passed Ams- 
bury ferry we ascend an hill, which was then in the hands of the 
Surveyors, & at 2 -^ miles distance lies Newburyport. A small 
Island shews itself just below the ferry, & so another at a short 
distance below Haverhill tho' the latter is the largest, tho' not bold- 
est of the two. From the ferry the road becomes more pleasant as 
you approach the Town. [282] The soil at first is barren & upon 
a barren plain on the right stands a deserted Meeting House once 
improved by a curious M r Noble. Soon we pass delightful Houses, 
& the Seats of Messieurs Jackson & Tracey entering the Town. 
The north part is thinly settled, & little cultivated. There are 
some noble buildings belonging to private Gentlemen. The Church 
of England has a forbidding appearance & the Steeples have no good 
effect. The best view of the Town is from the Powder house hill 
& from the water, but in no place does it group well. From the 
Country it is too open, & from the water the best buildings are hid. 
They have erected lately a New School House in the High Street 
near the Pond, which has a Belfry & is very convenient & hand- 
some. The benches rise from the centre. No forms go against the 
sides of the building. The rise is one foot on each side. The day 
was appointed for the Military Review. The other part of the 
Regiment was reviewed on Monday at Salisbury, & we had only the 
town companies. Some points of honor induced the South Company 
to club their firelocks & retire from the parade, tho' they submit- 
ted to an inspection in the afternoon. Three companies with the 
Artillery paraded in high street in the afternoon. I drank Tea 
with Mr Moses Hoit, & supped with D r Swett in company with 
Esq r Atkins. I visited M r Jackson, and my more intimate friends. 
At My call's printing office I saw the [283] best furnished office I 
had ever seen, tho' the preference is decidedly given in favor of 
Thomas of Worcester who has lately made very rich additions to 
his Types. 

24. I breakfasted with Esq 1 ' Atkins & at 10 set out for Salem. I 
dined at Treadwell's in Ipswich, returned through Wenham, con- 
versed with Rev d Swain, & stopped in Beverley at the Manufactory, 
& soon afterwards was joined by our member M r Goodhue, & two 
Gentlemen from Connecticut, Judge Ailsbury of the Senate, & 
Sherman of the House. Two Jennies were at work below, which 
carried about 70 spindles each. Several looms were at work, & the 
remarkable circumstance to us was the moving the shuttle by 
Springs, which gives great velocity, & allows the greatest number of 
strokes. Above all the cardins; machine was most curious as it 



1790] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 201 

was different from all our observations. Two large cylinders of 
two feet diameter move in contact, & upon them other cylinders of 
different diameters, & these are covered with fine cards. These con- 
vey the wool when carded to a knife which cuts it & to a smooth 
cylinder whose upper service is made to assume as many projections 
as correspond to the operations of the knife, & bring away the card- 
ed wool. The specimens of the cloth were various & good. The 
carding machine cards fifteen pounds of wool in a day easily, said 
M r John Cabot, who waited upon us, & recommended his Manufac- 
tory to the patronage of Government.--^ [284] I reached Salem be- 
fore Sundown, & waited upon the Gentlemen to see M r Symonds set 99. 

There was a meeting of the Trustees last week at Exeter for the 
'Episcopal grants in New Hampshire. The Clergy had an oppor- 
tunity to discuss the merits of the proposed Convention, which it 
seems is not relished by the Clergy. M r A. furnished me several 
anecdotes. M r Mycall is now printing the last volumes of the 
" Children's friend," a valuable work in Schools. Expences on the 
Journey passing ferry alone a copper, carriage at Haverhill /7 d . 
Expences at Herod's 6 s /. At Amsbury ferry /7 d . At Ipswich 1/8. 
Beverley Bridge /9 d . Expense of Sulkey, 15 s /. 

25. A letter from M 1 ' Freeman requesting the sermon & urging 
from motives of the good cause that it should be granted. 
M r Parsons, it is reported, of is pursuing another act of Court 
in order to force the payment arrears to M r Diman. The most 
unprincipled opposition is made to such settlement. My Treas- 
urer who has resigned with such great pretentions of the diffi- 
culties, has been manuvring to get in again. Such are men who 
assume the most upright pretentions. He has charged 29£ for his 
services & extended his 5 p r Cent upon all pews sold by the Proprie- 
tors & sat & run out his own pew in the meantime, see p. 264. 

[285] [Sept.] 26. Sunday. James Archer, Wife's delivery, 
Brethren at Sea. Benj a Dean returned from Sea & Son, upon 
death of his other Son at home. Eliza Murray, youngest child very 
sick. Joshua Erench & Wife, death of her Brother. 

27. Last week a Merchant employ g a crew from out of Town to 
load his Vessel had the lanyards cut away by some disaffected 
persons. The same in kind happened to a Salem Merchant in Bos- 
ton, attempting to remove a vessel put at a wharf for repairs, if not 
sold, because she was sold, & removed before the repairs took place. 
Such facts shew the state of the Mechanics. Bed ti eking is said to 
be manufactured at Nantucket with great success. 

28. A considerable storm of rain without much wind, which last- 
ed from Monday morning till Tuesday evening. Electioneering 
goes on with greater moderation in Essex, than in any other Coun- 
ty. We shall soon see the practices of England in this Country. 
Preparations are making to determine the number of inhabitants in 
Salem by the Marshall of our district. The number in Boston ex- 
ceeds 18,000. 



202 diary op [1790 

[286] 29. Visited for the first time the Salem Duck Manufactory. 
It has now at work about 12 spinners, & 4 weavers. They intend 
to add to this number. I am convinced that 24 spindles will be too 
much for one band & wheel, when all are at work, from the trifling 
courses which move & then set at rest the idle spindles in the pres- 
ent working of the machine. The chamber in which they were 
Spinning was clean, as were the young spinners but below the 
weavers had not a very promising appearance. The master is an 
Englishman, who has high opinions of his own abilities, & is ready 
to censure others. Purchased a quire of paper from the Paper 
Mills at Andover. They begin to manufacture good writing paper 
tho' not of the first qualities. They intend however to be rivals to 
the paper manufactory at Milton. 

30. Sent on my Sermon to Boston inclosed to M r Freeman. I 
had begun to correct, till I feared the whole would be lost. The 
different views I had of it were surprising. At once with disgust, 
then with a little more favor, at last sealed it up & sent it. Fire 
made on the hearth for the first time. 

[287] October 1. News from Clifford Crowninshield of the loss 
of his Vessel & part of his Cargo at the Cape of Good Hope on the 
12 th of April last. M r W m Gray & Dodge were his Owners. My 
little pupil John is at Brooklyne to have the small pox by in- 
occulation. 

2. Delivered Cushing, Printer some remarks upon a paper published 
in the Gazette of last week entitled " Sober observations," &c. , & 
signed a Correspondent, containing some ungenerous reflections on 
the Universalists, &c. My signature is Civis. Went down to the 
Junipers for bathing. The water was comfortable. 

[Oct.] 3. Sunday. Notes. Sarah Prince, death of youngest 
child, husband & Brethren at Sea. Jon a Millett & Wife, death of 
G. Child, & Sons at Sea. Eliza Murray, death of her youngest 
child, for her Sons at Sea. Sam 1 Odell & wife for him dangerously 
sick. Alden Burril & wife, for her delivery. In answer to Ed- 
wards quoted in Civis, it might be observed that instead of sin's re- 
semblance to an infinite line, it may be considered as an excentric 
body loosing its projectile force like a stone thrown from a weak 
hand, whose curve soon carries it to the ground, or a bomb. 

[288] 4. Visited with Capt Hodges at the great Ship of M r 
Derby, on the Stocks, & the Astrea under repairs. The work is 
highly commended, the Ship blamed as too narrow. M r Ropes 
published to M rs S. Putnam last Sunday gave us a collation this 
day. The Election of our Federal Representative was nearly unan- 
imous for M r Goodhue, being as 300, to 3 or 4 single votes. 

5. Enquiries respecting the subject in the Gazette. If commun- 
ions, or professed Creeds are the standards of the true faith, then 
what church supports its authority? If sin is infinite in length 
may it not imply that men will continue sinners after punishment. 



1790] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 203 

But does the parable of Lazarus & the rich man, if applied to this 
subject, imply the want of conviction ? Can the Hopkintonians 
vindicate their doctrine but as an improvement of Calvinism at 
least in expression, & do not the orthodox vindicate the unguarded 
language of the fathers before the Nicene Council upon the idea of 
common inaccuracy in the language upon undisputed subjects, &c. 
The Bridge called Essex was struck off this year for 150 dollars 
more than on preceeding. This day the Episcopal Convention 
met in this Town. Some attention will be required to so curious a 
subject. Who is to stand Canonist for them? 

[289] 6. The Episcopal Convention opened, prayers were read 
by D r Walter. The result has not been communicated to me since 
my return. My absence was occasioned by a ceremony of respect. 
Proposals were made long since to carry the Clergy upon the water. 
Upon the business of F. it was postponed. It was revived and the day 
appointed on which the Convention was to meet. On the same day 
it was postponed in regard to the same man, & no notice given me 
at noon of the day appointed, but by the accidental information of 
a Gentleman, who visited me upon a recommendation, when I gave 
him an invitation to be of the party. I went for Nahant, dined at 
Bev d Parsons & lodged with friend Breed at the Nahant. 

In the afternoon returned to Parsons's, found him involved in a 
dispute, which was communicated to me. The main subject is 
some freedoms in Kissing some married Ladies six years ago. He 
was dismissed on some such charges from Cape Ann. They seem 
malicious in the present instance. The principal of the opposition 
is a M r Carnes, once [290] a preacher & has been repeatedly dis- 
missed for several years as a Member from Lynn & now of decayed 
influence, & sinking from the interferences in his capacity as Jus- 
tice of the peace. He was the tool of the noted party at Court 
against Lawyers. Carnes has promoted a subscription to several 
charges among the Church, & I advised to a subscription of a Ee- 
monstrance from his friends, & made a draft. 

A curious affair happened at Nahant last week. A Colt was 
put into a pasture upon Nahant Head to wean from the Mare. It 
broke pasture in the night, & was gone. Search was made for 
miles, & the colt not found. At last a person from Chelsea in- 
formed the owner that he saw & knew the colt at Chelsea farms. 
The Colt was brought home to the owner, & must have swam two 
miles in a direct line in a very dark night, as it is twenty miles by 
land. This was given by friend Breed from whom the Colt escaped. 

8. Discovered upon my return that pains had been taken by 
my Landlady to place my conduct in a most unfavorable light, 
among my neighbours. And that reports had been handed from 
the family of little family concerns in an odious manner. 

[291] 9. M r Diman has pursued his Parish matters & having 
recovered judgement in one of our Courts, levied an execution on a 



204 DIARY OF [1790 

Brig belonging to J° White & Co., but nothing was eventually se- 
cured to hirn. The principal gentlemen met last evening at Capt 
White's. The Projectors of the plan to avoid payment seem at 
present in doubt of their success. All resentment, however just 
their object in our own opinion, involves in real difficulties. This 
may be designed not to prevent our guard, but to frequent alarms 
knowing the pains they must cost us. 

Oct. 10. Sunday. Martha Babbidge, death of Mother Emerton, 
Husband & Son at Sea. Jonathan Lander, dangerously sick. James 
Cotton, youngest child sick. Had an opportunity of discovering 
the virulence of female resentments, even from such person as 
seemed endued with great natural lenity of temper. The fact veri- 
fies the prevailing remarks upon that sex. " Most women have no 
character at all." 

[292] 11. In the agitation of my mind, I went to Danvers and 
spent an hour with M r Holt. I returned & was asked into Rob- 
ertson's to drink Tea with his family & spent an agreable evening. 
Had information that affairs at Lynn assumed a more pleasing ap- 
pearance. 

12. The association at Beverley at which M* Parson's affair was 
discussed, no new matters appeared, a letter from Esq 1 Carnes's was 
read, & the association took two votes, one directing the Clerk to 
serve M r Parsons with a Copy of Carnes's letter & another recom- 
mending a mutual council. 

13. As the Regiment had appeared yesterday, this day was as- 
signed for the public parade. The Gentlemen of the Town with 
the Officers obtained a dinner in the Court House, & gave generous 
invitations. Nearly 200 dined at the tables. The dinner was 
hastily brought, but excellent. The afternoon was spent in Sham 
fighting & it well bore the name. ISTo accident interrupted the 
pleasure of a great crowd of Spectators. Many people were present 
from neighbouring towns of respectable characters, & general satis- 
faction appeared through the day. 

[293] 14. A very rainy day. Yesterday afternoon died Jon a 
Lander, a very corpulent & comely man. He was taken in the 
Spring with violent bleeding at the nose, & it could not be prevent- 
ed till a most plentiful evacuation. As soon as he recovered he 
went in his Skiff to fish in the Bay, but from want of sufficient 
hands, his duty was laborious & his rest disturbed, & he returned, 
& soon died. In the war, being absent, his wife tho' with a numer- 
ous family married a stranger, & upon her husband's return re- 
fused to renew her former connections, & moved away with her 
new husband & children from the State. Lander since married a 
Country girl, & has one child. His Mother has married a Battoun. 
A child of M r Burril of Boston has also died in the Parish at its G. 
Mother Wyatt's. Wrote to M r Prentice of Reading for the age of 
M rs Odell, who died last Sunday. 



1790] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 205 

15. M r Burrill's Child's Funeral was the first in the Boston 
fashion of four wheel carriages. The Corpse was carried in a Char- 
iot, the mourners followed in a Coach, & eight chaises. The reason 
of this pomp was the relations were all concerned in the hire of 
horses, & had the stage of the Town in their hands. "We wish the 
practice of the mourning Coach introduced into the Town. 

[294] Received from Boston 50 Copies of the Sermon preached 
at the Stone Chapel, Sept. 12, 1790, by the Reverend John Eliot's 
hands. 

16. A most daring attempt of a Thief to enter D r Stillman's 
house. He discharged a pistol at a person attempting to hold him, 
but without execution, & as he descended the ladder, by which he 
entered, received the charge from a gun fired from the window, & 
left his blood behind from the wound, but escaped. This happened 
last week. 

[Oct.] 17. aSTotes. John Battoun & wife, death of Son Lander 
& for sons at Sea. Sarah Lander, death of her husband. Sam 1 
Odell & wife for him dangerously sick, & on death of his mother. 
[295] In the votes for federal representative of Essex, out of 
1054, M r Goodhue had 905. Great expectation of a Spanish "War. 

20. M r Carnes has written again to Br. Barnard informing him, 
that the aggrieved proposed a compliance with the proposal of the 
Association, but that the other members of the church had a meet- 
ing seperately, & overruled the proposal. The effects from the 
communication is diverting in Salem. The Clergy are ready for 
action, & upon whomsoever the stone shall fall, it may grind him 
to powder. 

21. Capt W 7 aters communicated to me the death of his Brother 
Thomas Dean in the Carolinas. From the letter to his Father from 
the Merchant by C. Henfield, via Boston, Capt Dean was sick five 
days of a nervous fever & died on 3 d October instant at Wilming- 
ton, N. Carolina. Capt Dean was short & small in his person, fond 
of dress, of an open countenance, well informed in his profession, 
but for sometime past neglected. 

[296] 22. M r Rhodes & Robertson waited upon me & went 
to M r Barnard's on the subject of M r Parson's affairs. The people 
are reluctant at the proposed measure of a mutual council, the 
church is small, & Ave made a minute of the following measures. 
As a Parish meeting was called to meet on Monday next, that on 
the next Sunday the Church should be notified of a meeting on the 
same day in some house in the neighbourhood of the meeting 
house. That the Parish should decide upon the measures to be 
pursued, & communicate their purposes to the Church. If they 
concur that the Parish then should defer all further consideration 
till March meeting. The design of this measure is to prevent the 
painful expedient of a mutual council. 

Oct. 23. In the morning at Cap' Robertson's request, I wrote 



206 diary op [1790 

the following memorand. in regard to our conference last evening. 
When the parish meeting opens do not proceed hastily, but keep to 
the main subject, &c. Question for the church is whether the 
church propose that an ecclesiastical council be called, or rest sat- 
isfied with their Pastor. Ans : satisfied. After a conference of 
church & Parish Let the Parish declare, It is the sense of this Par- 
ish in regard to all proceedings respecting our Pastor, that the wel- 
fare of the Parish requires that they should utterly cease. 

[297] A Letter from Hall, Printer, informing me that the 
impression of my Sermon has sold & that a new impression is in 
view, &c. &c. 

24. Sunday. Strange disorders in Manchester last Sunday. A 
Bradford of Kowley preached all day, & in the evening discoursed 
upon the servant of Abraham sent to bring a wife for his Son. He 
exclaimed against the hardness of their hearts. Turned to the 
Women & asked them whether they did not want a husband to go 
home married, till a Crazy Man named Lee cried out all for a hus- 
band, the congregation was thrown into confusion. The women 
fell into fits. Shrieks were heard, the neighbourhood disturbed, a 
woman in childbed thrown into histerics from hearing the noise. 
The schoolmaster rose, & addressed the speaker, & upbraided his 
irregular conduct. Several persons threatened the master with 
a prosecution for disturbing public worship, while an honest Tar 
standing by exclaimed The Devil of a Wedding, Hollo, Boys Hollo ! 

Thomas Dean & Wife & Children on death of Son, & Son 
at Sea. Lydia Dean for death of her Husband & brethren at Sea. 
Nath : West & Wife, for her delivery & for absent brother. 
[298] M r James the Methodist last week at Newbury. The at- 
tention given to Night Lectures by several whimsical men of prop- 
erty, under pretence of curiosity, gives great advantage to the 
friends of religious disturbances. 

25. Mr Horton has been subject to the Phthisick for many years. 
Complained but a few hours before he died. M r Bead, formerly a 
Tutor of the College has married a young woman* of fortune in this, 
place, & this day offered a public collation. Private conversation 
turns upon a Spanish War. 

26. A Vendue of Books by Pulsom of Boston, at Lang's Office. 
The gleanings of his shop, with a few valuable Books to render them 
saleable. 

[299] 27. As the proceedings of the Episcopal Conven- 
tion at Salem are printed on Sheets, & few Copies to be found, I have 
taken the great trouble for future use to transcribe the whole sheet. 

At a Convention of Clergy & Lay Deputies of the Protestant 
Episcopal Churches hereafter named, holden at Salem, in the Coun- 
ty of Essex, & Commonwealth of Massachusetts, October the fifth 
& sixth, 1790, vizt. 

♦Nathan Read, afterwards member of Congress, married Elizabeth, daughter of William 
Jeffry. 



1790] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 207 

S* Paul's Church, Newbury Port. 

Christ's Church, Boston. 

S l Thomas's Church, Taunton. 

S l Andrew's Church, Scituate. 

Trinity Church, Marshfield. 

S l Peter's Church, Salem. 

Trinity Church, Boston. 
S l Michael's Church, Marblehead, in the Commonwealth of Mass- 
chusetts, and Queen's Chapel, Portsmouth, in the State of New 
Hampshire. 

A Plan of an Ecclesiastical Constitution was read, & considered 
by paragraphs ,& after sundry amendments, was unanimously ap- 
proved, & is as follows, vizt. An Ecclesiastical Constitution for 
the government of the Episcopal Churches in this Commonwealth, 
& such other Churches as may be admitted & accede to the same. 

I. A Convention of the Protestant Episcopal churches who shall 
accede to this Constitution, to consist of the Clergymen of the said 
churches, & one or more Deputies, not exceeding three, being Lay- 
men, to be chosen by each [300] Congregation, shall be held at 
Boston on the Tuesday preceeding the last Wednesday in May, an- 
nually. But the time & place of meeting shall be subject to altera- 
tion by the Convention : and special meetings may be called at 
other times by the Bishop for the time being, & also in the manner 
hereinafter provided. 

II. A majority of the Clergy & Lay deputies of the Congrega- 
tions adopting this Constitution, shall be assembled before the Con- 
vention shall proceed to business ; except that the members present 
shall have power to adjourn from day to day, not exceeding three 
days in the whole ;& if a majority shall not then be assembled, 
the members present may adjourn without day. 

III. The Clergy & Lay deputies in Convention shall deliberate 
in one body, but shall vote as two distinct orders ; & the concurrence 
of both orders shall be necessary to give validity to every measure. 

IV. Each Congregation represented in Convention shall have 
one vote ; & no deputy shall represent more than one Congre- 
gation. 

V. In Convention a person shall preside with the title of Presi- 
dent : and when a Bishop shall be properly consecrated & settled in 
this church, he shall be, by virtue of his office, a member of the 
Convention, & when present, shall preside therein. 

VI. A Secretary shall be appointed by the Convention removeable 
at pleasure, who shall keep a fair record of the Resolves and proceed- 
ings of the Convention, & have the same in his custody, so long as 
he shall continue in office. 

VII. Standing rules for the orderly conducting of business, shall 
be established at the first meeting of the Convention. 



208 DIARY OF [1790 

VIII. Every Lay deputy, shall, previously to his admission to 
a seat in Convention, produce [301] a testimonial of his appoint- 
ment, subscribed by one or both of the Church wardens, or by the 
Clerk of the Proprietors. 

IX. The Clergy who shall minister in this church shall consist 
of the three orders of Bishops, Priests, & Deacons. 

X. No Bishop shall ever be elected for this church but at the 
annual meeting of the Convention ; nor without three months pre- 
vious notice being given, of such election intended, by the standing 
Committee ; & every such election shall be by Ballot. 

XI. The peculiar office of a Bishop consisting in the power of 
Ordination & Confirmation, & of superintending the Clergy of his 
Diocese, & of precedence in Ecclesiastical assemblies, the same shall 
be accordingly so exercised in this church. 

XII. No public censure shall be inflicted by the Bishop upon 
any clergyman under his inspection, other than shall be directed 
by the institutions of this Church hereafter made in Convention. 

XIII. No Clergyman shall hereafter be settled in any of the 
Churches, who shall accede to this Constitution until he shall pro- 
duce sufficient testimonials of his having been regularly ordained 
by a Bishop. 

XIV. No person shall be admitted to holy Orders, until he shall 
produce to the Bishop satisfactory testimonials of his morals, piety, 
& prudent conversation, signed by three Clergymen at least. 

XV. No person shall be admitted to Priest's orders, until he 
shall have attained the age of twenty four years, unless specially 
recommended thereto by the Convention ; nor to Deacon's orders, 
until he shall have attained the age of twenty one years. 

XVI. No Bishop of another church shall exercise his Episcopal 
authority in this church unless in case of the vacancy thereof, or at 
the request [302] of the Bishop of this Church ; & then, only to 
Ordain & Confirm ; the former, in case of a vacancy, at the request 
of three Clergymen, & the latter, by desire of the Clergyman & 
Members of a particular Church. 

XVII. The Standing Committee shall consist of three Clergy- 
men, & three Lay deputies, to be elected by the Convention, who 
shall have the power mentioned in the tenth article, & also power 
to call special meetings of the Convention as they may think neces- 
sary, & to provide a suitable place for the assembling thereof : And 
no business shall be transacted at any special meeting of the Con- 
ventions other than such as shall be mentioned in the notification 
of such meeting. 

XVIII. The Constitution shall not be subject to alteration in 
any article, except at the annual meeting of the Convention ; nor 
unless such alteration shall have been proposed, at least, one meet- 
ing previous to its adoption. 

At the said convention it was unanimously resolved, that copies 



1790] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 209 

of the said plan of a Constitution be transmitted to the several 
protestant episcopal churches in this commonwealth, & in the states 
of New hampshire & Rhode island, & that it be, & hereby is, 
recommended to the clergy of those churohes to attend, & to the 
congregations respectively, to elect one or more lay deputies to as- 
semble in convention, to be holden in Boston in the county of Suf- 
folk, on the last Tuesday of January next, & that the said deputies 
be authorised, in behalf of their respective congregations, to agree 
upon, & by & with the consent of the said clergy who shall be then 
convened, to establish the said Constitution for the future Govern- 
ment of the said churches. Edward Bass, President. Attest, Dud- 
ley Atkins Tyng, Secretary. Printed by J. Mycall in Newbury Port, 
ripere os dentes populi incrementa futuri. 

[303] 28. In conversation with a Gentleman of property 
upon his motives for a removal to Boston, he observed that the in- 
ternal police of the town was in such hands as to render it a dis- 
grace & an injury to be an inhabitant. Such are the consequences 
of promoting men to serve the interest of parties or merely local 
motives. Last evening shared in the disgust arising from opposing 
the conversation current among the people of undervaluing all the 
institutions of civil society. The subject was the Militia. The 
Horse Brig, now Ship, Capt Roche, sailed this day for London. 
The property of E. H. Derby Esq r . Supped with the celebrated E. 
Gerry, the Anti Fed : & our member, & other Gent, at Gen. Fiske. 

29. Two Saws used by the Poor from the Alms house since 
planting time have sawed 450 cords of Wood for fuel at 1/6 p r cord, 
112 1/2 Doll. Last evening the Shop of Fenno, Hatter near Gen. 
Fiske's was broken open, & a quantity of Beaver carried off. 

30. M r Rhodes from Lynn assured me that after all a majority 
of the Church were for a mutual council, & proceeded to a vote be- 
fore the Parish met, & then did chuse a Committee to join a Parish 
Committee who eight out of ten declared a mutual Council unneces- 
sary. The report is to be made next Monday to the respective 
Bodies, & the event cannot be foreseen. [304] M r Very moved a 
Woodhouse on the east corner of his land, next to Mr Ward's 
bounding on the Common, yesterday. M r Jacob Crowninshield, 
who sailed in Nichols' employ, arrived from Portsmouth, which 
port he entered from Ostend. 

[Oct.] 31. Sunday. By accounts from G. Fiske's family, Han- 
nah, now M ri Lee of Manchester, was the woman who suffered so 
severely upon a preceding Sabbath. Sarah Horton, on death of her 
husband. Francis Grant & wife, death of Son in Law & Son in 
law at Sea. Samuel Odell & wife, continuance for him sick. James 
Colton & wife, for child sick. Widow Susannah Becket very sick. 
Was visited this day by a curious Scotchman who several years ago 
came into this country & preached at Marblehead, & afterwards 
settled in the province of Maine. After being in the country for 



210 DIARY OP [1790 

sometime he married. Letters were sent from a former wife in 
Scotland, who after seven years absence has visited him. He at- 
tempts to justify himself, but from the state of facts is obliged to 
leave the eastern shore & is on his passage to Carolina. He is illit- 
erate, of bad address, & assumes much gravity. He sailed this 
day in a Schooner belonging to Cap 1 MacMillon (Hill, Master), his 
name, Elcott. Service morning to begin at 1/2 past 10. 

[305] November 1. In answer to a letter from my Father re- 
specting the marriage of my oldest Sister on Sunday next, I wrote 
that on Monday Nov r 8 I could attend. She is a pretty girl & with 
good management might have secured a very handsome situation in 
life. I am now a stranger to her chance in a distant country, tho' 
the distance itself is in my mind no objection. I shall see. 

2. Last night was drowned a M r Jonathan Neal, Labourer. He 
was employed upon the wharf alone in his business, & by some un- 
known accident fell into the water. He was found floating upon 
the water this morning. It is reported that he left Mansfield's 
shop after ten o'clock. This is a noted retail shop, which has been 
presented for gaming, & licentiousness. Upon information at M r 
Luscombe's it seems Neale was addicted to intemperance & fell over 
the wharf. He had strayed in the mud 10 feet from the wharf & 
was found standing in the mud in an inclined position. He was 
66 years old, a noted Carter. 

3. This night after several days of warm southerly weather 
came on a storm of S. E. ly rain & wind, with heavy thunder & 
very sharp lightening. The storm began about 1.10 o'clock and 
did not abate until 3 o'clock. Between 10 & 11 I returned from 
husking from Twises. 

[306] 4. An example of a man destitute of natural affection 
has lately occured. A M r Joseph Moses who lived in the next 
house when I first came to Salem, was a Sail maker & by the events 
of the war became a merchant. He married & had a large family 
of children. Since the peace he has been less successful, & natur- 
ally indolent he left labour, public worship, but still preserving 
appearances of possessing property, till the death of his wife in 
1789. He then left Salem & went to Boston, leaving his family at Sa- 
lem not under the most happy regulations. He at Boston addressed a 
M rs Campbell, & married her, living upon her relations, till this 
fall, when he proposed to her to come to Salem & take his children 
home to Boston. While she was here, he collected all his property 
& has absconded. The eldest Son, who is lame, & been idle in hopes 
of being put into business is already an object of charity. Applica- 
tion has been made to the Overseers for the whole family, & they 
will be cast upon the public charity. The wife is delivered of a 
child at Boston. This man was a remarkable Glutton & in all the 
conduct of life devoid of sensibility. By indulging this brutal 
character he has degenerated in the manner mentioned. The char- 



1790] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 211 

acter of his father was noticed at his death several years ago, •& 
this example shews the fatal effects of example in eating as well as 
in drinking. There is another son not much better. 

5. Reports that the above mentioned Moses has been pursuaded 
by his friends, who found him at Providence, to return to Boston. 
Silsbee near the meeting house raised a frame adjoining to his Store 
& Dwelling House. Odell's funeral from the Pest House was with- 
out a single man in the procession but myself. A M r Fraser came 
from England with Cap 1 Sleuman, & spent part of last evening with 
me. Buffington at School. 

6. Our Beef could not find a market such was the plenty in the 
north of Europe. 

[Nov.] 7. Notes. Joshua Dodge & wife on death of youngest 
child. Lydia Odell & Children, death of her husband. Lydia 
Townsend, safe delivery, Husband & Brethren at Sea. 

8. With intention to attend my Sister Bettey's marriage I went 
in the stage for Boston, and dined with the family. In the even- 
ing we were together & Rev d M r Eliot married my eldest sister to a 
M r Dawes, belonging to the interior part of the Country. The 
evening was spent agreably, & at ten I went to Deacon Ridgeway's 
with whom I lodged. The man appears modest, & capable of doing 
well, & I wish his success. 

[308] 9. I arose early & visited the Monument lately erected 
upon Beacon hill. It is just capped & by the stages I was prevent- 
ed an examination of the inscriptions. It is upon a square base, & 
rises above thirty feet. It is judged too small. I then visited the 
new Schools, the one in School Street, on the spot where the old 
House stood below the Stone Chapel, in which the Master formerly 
resided, & the School above the Hollis street Meeting House. There 
is an area in the middle open, the benches gradually rise on each 
side, and the rooms are spacious. Their are Chambers to each, but 
I know not how appropriated. I had an agreeable interview with 
M r Freeman, Clarke, Everet, & Lathrop. In the afternoon I re- 
turned to Salem. 

[309] In the Gazette of this day at Salem the following is in- 
serted, " M r Bimsley Stevens, Assistant to the Marshall of Massa- 
chusetts, district in taking a Census of the Inhabitants, has favored 
us with the following account of his division." 



212 






DIART? 


OF 






[1790 


Towns. Houses. 


Families. 


Free white 
males of 

16 years & 
upwards 
including 
heads of 
families. 


Free white 

males under 

16 years of 

age. 


Free white 

females 

including 

beads of 

families. 


All 

other 

free 

persons. 


Total 
Inhabi- 
tants. 


Salem, 


928 


1493 


1845 


1710 


4106 


260 


7921 


Marblehead, 


618 


1104 


1265 


1326 


2982 


87 


5660 


Beverly, 


422 


637 


748 


733 


1751 


58 


3290 


Danvers, 


372 


460 


626 


486 


1279 


34 


2425 


Lynn, 


300 


404 


625 


514 


1136 


20 


2295 


Manchester, 


142 


196 


234 


204 


518 


9 


965 


Middleton, 


102 


119 


164 


140 


362 


16 


682 


Wenham, 


74 


92 


114 


109 


269 


10 


502 


Lynnfield, 


66 


82 


119 


108 


261 


3 


491 



3024 4587 5740 5330 12664 497 24231 

[311] 10. The Supreme Judicial Court is now sitting in Town. 
Nothing remarkable has yet been mentioned. His Excellency James 
Bowdoin was to be buried this day in Boston. 

11. This day a Mr Baldwin, an illiterate Preacher, is to be or- 
dained at Boston over the Society formerly called Boun[d]'s, the 
second Baptist Society. On the Occasion the New North Meeting 
House is to be used, as usual. There is no dinner provided, to keep 
a fast, but after dinner a Collation is provided. 

12. The Story of the Thief in Boston, which is mentioned at p. 
294, is much ridiculed in Boston. The Doctor's credulity, & the 
character of the Heroic Lad, with a humorous account of a Negro's 
dog, furnish matter for the wits. How far party is concerned in 
this matter I do not know. It is reported that Sinclair has returned 
from a Guinea voyage with the loss of all his crew. Notwithstand- 
ing the laws of the Commonwealth, there is not one man of spirit 
to stand forth & make enquiry into these detestable practices. I 
am informed that the daring wretch, who has made me so much mis- 
chief, is engaging in such a voyage. 

[312] 13. A very pleasant day, I went in at Juniper head to bathe, 
& find my health much assisted by such resolutions. The Supreme 
Court continue sitting here but no criminal actions are brought. 

[Nov.] 14. Sunday. Notes. Alice Cotton, continuance of Prayers 
for Child sick, & husband at Sea. Elizabeth Chipman for safe de- 
livery, Husband & brethren at Sea. Proclamation read for thanks- 
giving. Cannot entirely be free from the perturbation arising from 
preaching before distinguished characters, imputed to neglect of 
more intimate acquaintance with the different classes of men. 

15. Incommoda quae ex rebus privatis orta sunt dum aegrotarem, 
et rogarem, ut quae ad usum pertinent, allatura sint respondet, 
nurum tuam evoces cum ad me venit amicus, nee ceena nee rectum 
paratum est. Cocta sunt quee in domo sunt, si spoliata. Nihil con- 




^j z> 



1790] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 213 

venit, et. ad vicinos ire me oportet ut obtinerem omnia prgeter ob- 
sonia. Nemo intrat saepissime, nisi prius quam inimicitas mecum 
habet. Timeo petere aliquid, nisi in usum meum honitur, ex vol- 
untate tyranni. [313] Qui ad me veniunt, non viva voce loquuntur. 
Semper vitia sua quaeruntur, et narrantur mihi in invidiam illos 
proferre. Apparet voluntas, non pacem, sed iras afferre. Qui cog- 
itat hoc modo de rebus suii, felix ex sesse potuit. Exopto causam 
inquirere. Unde venit. Exanimo res privatas e quirente et dum 
quaerit, omnia celata observat a curatissime. 

16. All the votes for Essex District were 1182, 1027 for Mr Good- 
hue. The Hops from the Town of Wilmington have produced 12,000 
dollars, says the Gazette. 

17. This afternoon came on the case of Moriarty, an Irishman, 
before the Supreme Court. This man has lived sometime in Salem, 
& Danvers, & after suffering imprisonment was taken in by his 
daughter in law, cloathed & fed for three years. Since the death 
of her husband she has boarded him, without any returns. Upon 
some present proposals of marriage Moriarty objected, & took some 
steps at Law to recover some property out of her hands upon which 
she brings an action of debt [314] for boarding, lodging, washing 
& loans of money since July, 1787, amounting to 106£. Moriarty 
against her brought an account of 209£ charging 69£ for the use 
of a Cow, beside the keeping, 32£ p r annum for doing the business 
of a woman keeping shop of a stock of 50 dollars, & other things in 
like proportion. Being admitted to his oath of original entries in 
his petite debt book, the Court gave it as their opinion that the 
whole was drawn out but three months before, from the dates of the 
charges, uniformity of ink, same elegant leisurely writing, the agree- 
ment of the paper with paper given at this time by Esq r Osgood, by 
testimony of Auctioneer & Wharf inger that he came & took from their 
Books accounts for the time specified. There were other circumstances 
in the book such as the insertion of only a few trifling accounts in the 
whole time, with different ink in void spaces left in writing, to be 
judged from the want of agreement of the inserted dates with the 
subsequent ones. Judge Paine delivered the Case to the Jury with 
a just degree of spirit, & pertinent observations. This Moriarty 
has imposed upon the vulgar, being a good accountant, with a pre- 
tended knowledge of law, is an intemperate man, & litigious, & a 
just object of the highest public punishment. 

[315] 18. The jury's verdict ag : Moriarty was 75JB to the daugh- 
ter, & he is to pay cost of suit. Wrote the last paragraph of an 
answer to a Correspondent in the Salem Gazette, signed Civis. The 
Opponent is Cleveland of Chebacco. This man is remarkable for 
having originated the most severe reply ever written in the Coun- 
try from D r Mayhew. He has been an injury to all our churches, 
has had a controversy with Foster an Anabaptist, & was the Adver- 
sary of D r Whitaker in the disputes at Salem. He is a vile antag- 
onist, because nothing can hurt him, & he will hesitate at nothing. 



214 DIARY OF [1790 

19. The Weather has continued stormy with rain three days. 
John Nesboth, commonly known by the name of Uncle John, of 
whose death we had an account by Capt Babbidge, was a Scotchman. 
He was known to me by living in the same house with me at Bev- 
erley, Baker's near the Meeting House, in 1782. From the best 
accounts I can obtain of him, and my regard for him has induced 
me to make the f idlest enquiries, he was [316] born in Scotland, 
probably in Aberdeen. His parents died when he was very young, 
& he was educated by an Uncle. He was early an apprentice to a 
London Captain, & afterwards came to America. He sailed out of 
Providence several voyages, & from Providence, R. Island he went 
to Quebec. Sailing from Quebec in 1780 he was taken by the Bru- 
tus, Privateer, & was brought to Salem. Early in 1788 he married 
in Salem, & died at Port au Prince, Oct. 14, of the West India Plux, 
with which he had long been afflicted, set 48. He was a reserved, 
but a very good tempered man. Very obliging, diligent, & honest. 
Every body seemed to love Uncle John, & every body was willing 
to trust him. He died in debt to no man, & censured by no man. 
Every man thought Uncle did as well as he could, & that he was a 
very good Sailor. 

20. A Concert of music is proposed in S* Peter's Church to be on 
the evening following thanksgiving. Tickets for the body of the 
Church at 1/6. The object is the repair of the Organ, which is now 
in the hands of a D r Leavitt. The Band is to attend from Boston. 
Tickets are sent to the Clergy, for whom the Altar is reserved. 
After the advice of D r Price & other dissenters, it is singular that 
on a day of devotion we should be so weak as to be betrayed into a 
justification of an act against [317] the practice of dissenters, not 
only to hear organs in a Church, but to go on thanksgiving day to 
pay for the repairs of one for the service. This is beyond Catholic. 
If it is beneath the Pope to hear organs in the church, there might 
be some respect to heaven. 

[Nov.] 21. Sunday. M r Thaddseus Mason Harris, preached with 
me the whole day. Notes. Thomas Diman & Wife, death of his 
daughter. Abigail Nesboth, death of her husband, & for herself 
dang : sick. Elizabeth Ka?hou, death of child, herself dang : sick. 
Husband at Sea. Ruth Briggs, her safe delivery. Husband & sons 
at Sea. 

22. A Baloon Driver, Wire dancer, & Legerdemain Irishman and 
wife are to exhibit this day at 1/6, & /9 for children. The Baloon 
passed overhead at three o'clock towards the Harbour into which 
it dropped. Had an opportunity this evening of viewing a Carpet, 
woven after the manner of the Scotch Carpet, with admirable exe- 
cution. The Lady's name is Roche, who executed it in her own 
private family. 

[318] 23. Anecdote. A certain woman lost her servant, declaring 
it was because the parson had expressed his suspicions of loosing 



1790] REV. WILLIAM BENTLET 215 

money. When that Servant came to die she shew the most singular 
attention to the parson, after having attended his place of worship. 
Quere then whether the report was not slander on the part of the 
mistress. 

Arcus venit ad domum meum, inquirent an intus fini. Non, re- 
spondit Mater familias. Cur ilium quseras? Neptis mea morient 
ilium videre exoptat. Non morbo delirat? Vero, sed ilium cogitat. 
Itine narrat invida, veranam me invitasse. Dum vero ad illam 
prof ectus eram ad sepulturam filioli, et cum ilia collocutus familiari- 
ter, antiquam periculum vitae appropinquaret. 

The Company of Beverley Militia turned out yesterday, and are 
to have their principal training, as it is called, on friday. 

[319] 24. A very plentiful market. Raisins /6 p r lb. Beef /2 d to 
24 d . Veal /3 d . Mutton /2£ d . Fowls l 8 /. Geese 24/. Turkies 
/4 d . Flour p r B. 36 8 /. Pork /3 d . Butter /9 d . Milk p r Q./2 d . 

25. Thanksgiving through the State. The Contribution exceeded 
£13, 0, 0. The concert this evening proved very much a catchpenny 
affair. A Funeral of a young woman this evening for the first time 
in my life. 

26. Was the general training at Beverly. The affair respecting a 
division of the Begiment is now before the Council of State. Bev- 
erly, Danvers, Topsfield, Middleton made a regiment. Cape Ann is 
established independant of Manchester. Beverly & Manchester 
join in a petition to be one Regiment, & were permitted to appear 
together under arms. [320] This day three Companies in Beverly 
& two from Manchester appeared on the parade, comprehending 
rank & file above 400 men. They were reviewed by Col Abbot, & 
inspected. Gen Fiske was on the parade. At one a very elegant 
dinner was prepared in a Brick House opposite the Meeting House, 
in an upper unfinished story, now belonging to the. Hon. N. Dane. 
Merriment preceeded. After two we returned to the parade, & had 
the usual evolutions, firings, &c. The day closed very agreably. 
I returned before night. The Standard of Manchester was new. 
White silk, with the arms of the State in the center with a wreath. 
The Beverly Standard was red, with a dark brown quarter with 
stars, ordinary. The day was very cold, yet many persons of both 
sexes were together. The toasts were drank quick after each other, 
which prevented intoxication, & had the fault of being too long. 
The attendance of the Gentlemen was general. Above 100 persons 
dined at the table above stairs. Capt Homans & Francis of Bever- 
ley were known to me, Capt Francis was in command for the day. 
M r Gould formerly of Salem acted as Major. The Commissioned 
Officers were in uniform, the Subalterns not. The uniform was red. 
Their firings were good, & the men in excellent order. 

[321] 27. The first Snow fell this afternoon, & continued through 
the night. 

[Nov.] 28. Sunday. Notes. Sarah Vanderford, on death of Sister 



216 DIARY OP [1790 

Kehou, & for Brother at Sea. Very deep snow, & thin Assembly. 
Delivered some lessons respecting the excuses for staying from 
Church. 

29. Had a visit from Rev d Clarke. Report that Cleveland has 
sounded an alarm respecting Cocinianism. In this case it is 
impossible to forget the Shoemaker in Friar Gerundio. 

30. In M r Cabot's Garden at Wolfsboro, in a Turnip Yard, of less 
than 1/2 an acre, 485 bushels of Turnips were produced of an ex- 
cellent quality. The Pass at the White mountains at the narrowest 
place measures but 22 feet between two perpendicular rocks. 

[322] December 1. Letter of consent to M r Freeman to preach on 
Christmas day. 

2. Last night the Store of Capt W ,n Marston was broken open, & 
the goods taken to the amount of several pounds. M r Parsons of 
Lynn with me informing me that a mutual council was chosen by the 
church, non-concurred by the Parish & was to set on Tuesday next. 

3. Rain upon our Snow to distroy sleding. 

[323] 4. No person had arrived from Boston this day at three 
o'clock. De Symphonia sacra in Ecclesia anglicana. Homo re- 
diens ab ecclesia, iracunde exclamavit, deceptus sum, nil valet, 
dicit sub minister, dum nos obtinemus. A Brig entering this Port 
in the late Snow storm found the Londoner Rock within the length 
of the vessel, & escaped. 

[Dec] 5. Sunday. Very Cold. Alice Cotton, death of child, 
Husband. & Brother at Sea. Judith Jeffry for safe delivery, death 
of her child, & husband & brethren at Sea. This day sailed another 
Guinea man commanded by one Grafton, a man of contemptible 
character. It is said to be the property of Jos. White, Stone, Waters, 
& the former master one Sinclair. Capt Marston has detected one 
Ned Dalton with the effects taken from his store last Wednesday 
night, & he is in custody. This is an intimate of Moriarty & one of 
the adherents of Thayer in his late visit to this Town. M r Curtis 
duned me for the Contribution or sum to be paid for the singing. 

[324] 6. Very cold weather, glasses below in the morning. Sev- 
eral persons have broken limbs from the Ice in the Streets such as 
one Flood, Liscombe, & one woman named Peese. 

7. I went for Lynn to attend the Council to be convened in that 
place this day. The members were from 

North Parish in Reading, Rev d Stone, Del. Deac. Eaton. 

Lynntield, Rev d Mottey, Deacon Bancroft. 

N. C. in Salem, Rev d Bernard, Col. Pickman. 

Old C. in Marblehead, Rev d Hubbard, & Col. Orne. 

First C. in Danvers, Rev d Wadsworth, Judge Holten. 

First C. in Beverley, Rev d M c Kean. 

C. in Wenham, not represented. 

The charges were produced, & defended by Esq r Carnes in a 
most blundering manner. The first was of 



1790] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 217 

I. A very free use of spirituous Liquor. This was put off in 
want of evidence. The evidence in behalf of the accused, was very 
full. 

II. Out late of night, & very late. This proof laid upon the 
friends of the accused & was very favorable to the Accused. 

III. Light & airy company. This put off for a M r Johnson to 
prove, whose indisposition forbid his personal attendance upon the 
council. 

IIII. Neglect of sober people ; not supported. 

V. Neglect of study, sermons, &c. obviated by his keeping school, 
&c, & excused [325] from the want of any direct proof. 

8. VI. The only charges of any weight were those from indecent 
freedoms with women. All the Accusers had given written declar- 
ations to Esq r Carnes, the knowledge of which was not communica- 
ted to the Accused, & therefore were referred to the discretion of 
the Council unreservedly. The declaration of D. Tarbox was set 
aside by her own attestation to the innocence in her belief of the 
accused, of ill intention. The other evidence of women refusing to 
appear unless before the Council, & Committees. I was excluded 
from a hearing, but am told by the parties that M rs Johnson deposed 
the Accused did forcibly draw her into his lap and kiss her. A M" 
Allen that he kissed her also in a very free manner, & a M" Atwell 
was ready to attest to her writing at her own house, that he saluted 
her & in a very few days afterwards came to make an apology, when 
she enquired of him what had given him suspicions of her character. 
A Patty Hood appeared & declared that in his visit to M™ Hannah 
Kneeland, a woman of declared infame, that he embraced her in a 
lustful manner. The council had chosen a Committee to wait upon 
[326] M r B Johnson, who is a principal complainant in this affair, 
& upon this resolution I retired toward home, & arrived at Thursday 
evening. The friends of the accused wished to have a Clergyman 
to speak in their behalf, but the Council declined unless more im- 
mediate occasion should appear. I dined at Ballard's & Capt Rob- 
ertson's & lodged with M r Hubbard at M r Parson's. Col Orne dis- 
tinguished himself on the occasion by pertinent observations, & 
keep 8 the parties to the points debated, & all scurrility was cautious- 
ly avoided on both sides. Points agitated, whether confidential con- 
versation could be in proof ? Refused because it precluded all hopes 
of private adjustments in Churches. A long debate about deposi- 
tions, & declarations. Some attempts were made to criminate upon 
account of some ridiculous stories told in jovial conversation, but 
the stories being traced to D r Appleton of Cambridge and being rec- 
olected by the Council, the repetition of them was forbidden. D r 
Hoi ten spake clearly on the subject of evidence, & the young people 
of the parish were waiting with great anxiety to have the light & 
airy company defined, & persons pointed out. 

[327] 9. 1 find in my absence that the Selectmen & Overseers 



218 DIABY OF [1790 

have in this cold season made a full examination of all Grogshops, 
Kegrohouses, & poor & suspicious houses, & that all vagrants, as 
well as unsupplied poor they immediately sent to the Charity House. 

10. Air very moderate like rain. The glass has been in the 
morning of this cold time below 0. M r Briggs attended the singing 
this evening to whom we told the disingenuous conduct of M r Cur- 
tis & which he in appearance reprobated, denying that any part of 
it originated from his instigation. Singing Club full. 

11. Proposui, me iturum cum uxore C. S. ad medicum apud an ut 
de arte medica accipiaent ilia remedicum pro clauditate. Longo 
post tempore, mihi dixit ilia, absente marito, se me cum aliis mulier- 
ibus, suis impensis ad an portaturam, redienteme, illo die, quo dis- 
cedoemus. Recusavi pro his causis. Multam timorem panice 
ostendisse me culpa oriretur propter familiaritatem cum clero, et 
quia mihi oportet cum foeinina solvere quee itinere debentur. 

[328] M r Ballard, one of the Parish Committee at Lynn came to 
my house & gave me the following account of the result. The Comm. 
of Council waited upon M r B. Johnson who utterly disowned any 
personal knowledge of the affairs, & M r8 Atwell refused to appear. 
M r Parsons plead that in the affair of M rs Johnson he meant only 
innocent freedom, & Friend Hussey attested that she had said to 
him, that she thought so. Burrill's evidence that M r Parsons had 
talked lightly of preaching for a maintainance was confronted by 
two Friends, M r & M rs Coleman, and upon the whole the Council 
unanimously concluded that no charges were supported, excepting 
levities with the women, & resulted that for them he ought to ask 
pardon of the Parish, & be more circumspect for the future. Errors 
in the above Council. Facta non exhibita inter, &c. or Charges ad- 
mitted not specified in the Bill of Charges by the aggrieved, upon 
Apology, by consent of parties. Errors in the Bill, only General 
Charges, want of witnesses, & fourteen days to confront. This not 
blamed by Council. Admission of Witnesses, because female, to 
swear only in presence of parties. [329] This is a dangerous prec- 
edent in favor of bad women, & may have serious consequences, & 
may prevent a public hearing. The Censure being formed upon a 
less fault than was charged, without a declaration that the charges 
were not proved, & the aggrieved reprehended. These are great 
faults. Less errors in allowing the aggrieved to censure characters 
not named even in hearsay evidence, such as light characters. 

In admitting a charge of intemperance or free use of spirituous 
liquors, as an extra charge, & then not condemning the want even 
of a specific hearsay charge of fact. In not reproving the contradic- 
tion of the advocate for the party, having been a Minister, when he 
asserted upon his memory the repetition of sermons in public deliv- 
ery, without one example adduced. 

The hesitation upon an opinion whether secret charges, should 
have an hearing, & suffering them to be left at the discretion of 
the Council, when private conferences were excluded. 



1790] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 219 

A Committee of Council rather than a Justice of the peace taking 
evidence of a person unable to attend, being a precedent giving ad- 
vantage to a party in a council to report, as well as examine when 
not impartial. 

[330] Obliging the Minister to confess an imprudence, which fol- 
lowed a rash censure, without a warning against defamation & so 
throwing the blame of party upon indiscreet actions. 

Acting upon a mistaken prudence in putting it in the power of 
an offended party to obtain a public censure upon a man, if any 
kind of charge can directly or indirectly be made out against him 
in the course of an examination before the world. 

Acting partially by making the charges in evidence private, & the 
world room to suspect, & making defence public. 

By obliging a man to consent to any premature enquiry to avoid 
the suspicion of fear least he wished to shun investigation. 

In proposing that a Minister without a delegate should have a 
full vote as organised to represent a Church. 

In not taking up the irregular introduction of the controversy, by 
disturbing public worship, by a public censure. 

In not censuring a Church Officer, for neglecting his place in the 
Church without consent of the brethren. 

Many such errors attended this Council, deserving their atten- 
tion. [331] Vir, qui symphoniam Ecclesiae direxit, conatur pecu- 
niam a me accipere dando, mandatum alteri in negotio. 

Dec. 12. Sunday. Very rainy day. A Coaster ashore on Fort 
Point. Families on board were taken ashore. Notes. Jonathan 
Mason & wife & children for him dangerously sick, & for his sons 
at Sea, & a Son at a distance. Contribution during M r Curtis' sett- 
ing in the seats amounted to £5, 2, 2. 

13. The reviewers English remark that there is not one regular 
Book store north of New York, or South of Philadelphia & Balti- 
more. That the great advance upon Books in the Southern states 
shews that the progress of knowledge cannot be distinguishing. 

14. An Instance of Burying an aged. & corpulent person, Old 
Capt. Jones, on a sled, drawn by an horse, to prevent slipping upon 
the ice. A practice usual in a country town. M r Games, who 
formerly married the eldest Daughter of Richard Derby Esq r longo 
post tempore, in portum venit in navigio, Jon a Ingersoll, miserandus. 

[332] 15. Received from Hon. Goodhue an etching of Gen. 
Washington with a very polite note, desiring my acceptance. I re- 
plied that I hoped — it would maintain the remembrance of the 
integrity & merit of the representative of Essex. It was performed 
by a Son of the celebrated M rs Wright, remarkable for her Wax- 
work. 

16. Put up at Robertson's an administration. Papers privately 
circulated to be shewn only to the holders of the State & other Se- 
curities to encourage a petition for the recovery of full interest, 



220 diary op [1790 

against the present adjustment. It has the appearance of faction 
and may terminate in great evils. 

17. Last night departed from life Old Grandame Whitefoot, 
above one hundred years old, being christened in 1690, among other 
children of the same parents, & then not the youngest. She was 
very small of stature, small face, quick temper, but soon reconciled. 
Always singing & dancing, not modest in her conversation, & aimed 
at jocose wit. Her whole habit was thin, & nothing made a deep 
impression on her mind. She was addicted to Smoakiug which 
easily intoxicated her, & rendered [333] her troublesome. She 
went abroad till nearly the time of her death, & she sunk away in 
insensibility. She was a woman who neglected reading altogether, 
& for many years public worship, but never professed an aversion, 
but a carelessness. These facts have come within my own knowl- 
edge. 

18. Further means of ascertaining the age of Mary Whitefoot. 
Aunt Bridget her sister died at Kettle's, near Derby's farm above 
thirty years ago. She was 20 years older than Mary. set. 92. 
Note. Kettle married Aunt Bridget's daughter afterward the 
Wife's mother of S. Williams. The age of her Daughter Tozzer, 
who is above 60, & was born after her father's Whitefoot's death, 
who lived with Mary ten years, & Mary was married late in life, 
after thirty. Sister Bridget was of full age in 1692 & went to see, 
& converse with the witches & was present at their execution. 
Mary was of reputed age with Aunt Hodges, who was eleven years 
older than Aunt Crowninshield, & the last born in 1700. Her age 
even to herself unknown. 

[334] [Dec] 19. Sunday. Very cold. Elizabeth Miller for her 
delivery, Husband & Brethren at Sea Capt. Mason's mother died 
aged 92, eight years since, & she said Mary Webb, alias Whitefoot, 
was older than her sister Tyler, who was 3 years older than she was. 

20. Ivit. M. S. ad And. comitata cum Matre, et Sorore sua in 
vehiculo N. Recusa videre salutem amicis in vico illo viventibus, 
ne faveam illis, qui sua voluntate sperant se habere, dum, &c. 
Exaudivi hodie, tiliam sororis J. W.* quo cum iras habui de col- 
loquiis profanis, & factis immodestis, post promissum matrim ; re- 
jectam esse a viro pro mittente. W. se habet caute, non iracunde 
sicut antequam se gessit. Amici puellae iras cuntur, et minantur 
valde. Puella dicetur opportuni stultitiam esse se tradere viro, qui 
recusavit fseminam nihilo, nisi divitiis egentem. Et semitlacrima- 
biliter, sed gloriae fructus habebit. 

[335] 21. Rediit Juvenis, et suam culpam confessus, in favorem 
restitutus est. Et mulier ad domum rediit sub nocte ejusdem diei. 
In the Gazette is a printed account from a D r Wilkins of the re- 
covery of a drowned person, supposed to have been in the water, at 
least one hour, & after a continued experiment of an hour & a 

•Betsy Cooke, daughter of a sister of Mrs. Joseph White. 



1790] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 221 

quarter, after the directions of the humane Society, published by 
their authority. It happened at Stratham in New Hampshire. 

22. Further account of Mary Whitefoot. Sarah Manning died 
aet. 92, eleven years ago, & she always said of the two, Aunt White- 
foot was oldest. Et ad Finem hujus Tonii advenio. Mihi interest 
maxima cura observare quae occurrunt. Nee in pacem conducit 
ulla res, quam constanter consiteri Deum, et in sua providentia con- 
tidere. Mihi sola fidelitas, Deo Actio. 

Ages of the Family in which I first lived in Salem, as given 1814. 

Mary Elkins, 73, on 3 Oct. 1813. 

Her Son Henry, 53, on 4 July, 1813. 

Her d. Mary, 48, on 14 Ap. 1814. 

Her d. Mary, married J. Winn (Joseph) who was 52, on 22 
Sept., 1813. 

Mary's children by A. Sleuman. 

Andrew, 20, 27 Dec, 1814. 

Mary, 18, 17 July, 1814. 

Mr. Winn's children by former wife. 

S. daughter, 21, 4 July, 1814. 

E. d., 14, 30 June, 1814. 

Joseph, 18, 5 th Dec, 1813. 

John, 15, 7 Nov., 1813. 
Mary of John & Anstis Crowninshield, was baptised Oct. 12, 

1740. 
Hannah of Samuel & Deborah Carlton, bapt. 28 July, 1734, 

with whom I lived in 1814. 



DIARY 

of 

REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 

December 23, 1790— May 13, 1792. 



[The manuscript is numbered Volume XIX, and the original 
pagination is here shown within brackets.] 



[1] A Census of the Town of Salem being taken by the federal 
Government in 1790, as it was by the State in 1785, I obtained the 
papers of report to ascertain the number of persons supposed to be- 
long to the East Meeting House. By the best computation from 
the Census of 1785, the number of persons supposed to worship in 
the East Meeting House was 1097, by the Census, in and belonging 
to Families worshipping in the East Meeting House, 1277. The 
Census of 1785 was taken in six columns, denoting number of wid- 
ows & ages by 16, 30, 50, 70, 100 years. The Census of 1790 was 
taken in five columns, properly three, because the fourth called free 
and all other persons included only negroes, & the fifth of slaves 
must be empty. The first Column includes all males above 16 
years. The second includes all males under 16 years. The third 
women of all ages, the whole sex. These numbers for convenience 
are combined, to avoid columns, excepting only when the number 
amounts- to ten, & then marked by commas. The Letter P. denotes 
proprietors in the House, & The Letter H. holding seats under 
assessments. The Letter F. denotes a freehold, House, &c. The 
Letter C. denotes Commander of a vessel. The Letter M. denotes 
Military Command ; letters before M. initials of the Commission. 
The Letter S. denotes Street & L. Lanes, such as cross the Town.* 

[2] LIST OF FAMILIES, &c. 

Archer, John, 513. H. C. Mariner. 

Archer, Samuel, 222. H. Barber. 

B. S. Andrews, Abigail, 002. F. Widow. 

Archer, James, 212. Shoemaker. 

B. S. Archer, Jonathan, sen r 136. F. P. Barber. 

B. S. Ashbey, Thomas, 200. F. H. C. Mariner. 

B. S. Archer, Jonathan tert: 126. F. H. Barber. 

D. S. Allen, Edward, 344. F. P. C. Mariner. 

# See page 227 for names of streets and lanes. 

222 



1790] 



REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 



223 



B. S. Andrew, Mary, 012. F. P. 

Archer, Hannah, 002. 

M. L. Archer, Jonathan jun r , 236. F. P. 

fBurrell, Aldin, 113. H. 

Brown, Benjamin jun r , 201. H. 

G. Boardman, Francis, 137. F. P. 

B. S. Babbidge, Susanna, 005. F. P. 

Babbidge, Christopher, 213. H. 

B. S. Bray, John, 301. F. H. 

B. S. BurreU, Mansfield, 306. F. P. 

W. L. Bowditch, Mary, 203. F. P. 

W. L. Briggs, Johnson, 173. F. H. 

Burns, Hannah, 024. 

M. L. Byrne, Clifford, 221. F. H. 

B. S. Bates, Mary, 113. F. 

[3] B. W. L. Brown, William, 116. F. P. 

Babbidge, John, 111. 

B. L. Becket, Mary, 512. F. 

Becket, James, 114. H. 

E. L. Batoon, John, 412. F. 

B. L. Becket, John, 235. F. P. 

M. H. L. Brown, James, 214. F. H. 

Bateman, Michael, 112. H. 

T. L. Beadle, Lydia, 043. F. 

Berry, John jun r , 112. 

Batten, Aaron, 102. H. 

Brown, Joseph, 112. H. 

D. L. Berry, John sen r , 111. F. P. 

D. L. Berry, Abigail, 002. F. P. 

Brown, Nancy, 104. 

Beane, Ester, 001. 

Brown, Jonathan, 112. 

Burchmore, John, 111. 

Burrows, Mary, 023. 

T. L. Batten, Mary, 001. F. P. 

[4] t Coombs, Abigail, 213. 

C. Chever, Samuel, 213. F. H. 

C. Chever, Benjamin, 115. F. H. 

B. S. Crowninshield, Benjamin, 116. F. P. 

tCotton, William, 101. H. 

Cloutman, Hannah, 113. 

B. S. Collins, John sen r , 133. F. 

tChipman, Thomas, 122. H. 

B. W. L. Clarke, Margaret, 014. F. 

Cloutman, Stephen, 142. 

Collins, James jun r , 122. 

D. S. Crowninshield, George, 524. F. P. 



Widow. 
Widow. 
Philom : 
Carpenter. 
C. M. Tanner. 
C. Mariner. 
Widow. 
C. Mariner. 
Shoemaker. 
Carpenter. 
Widow. 
C. Mariner. 
Widow. 
C. Mariner. 
Widow. 
Tanner. 
Boat Builder. 
Widow. 
L. M. Ship Builder. 
C. Mariner. 
C. M. Boat Builder. 
E. M. Trader. 
Mariner. 
Widow. 
Mariner. 
Mariner. 
C. Mariner. 
C. Mariner. 
Shopkeeper. 
Widow. 
Widow. 
Carpenter. 
C. Mariner. 
Widow. 
Widow. 
Widow. 
C. Mariner. 
Tanner. 
C. Mariner. 
Mariner. 
Widow. 
Mariner. 
C. Mariner. 
Widow. 
Ship Carpenter. 
Shoemaker. 
C. Mariner. 



224 



DIARY OF 



[1790 



T. L. Collins, John, jun r , 155. F. P. 

|M. H. L. Collins, John tert. 122. F. 

Crispin, William, 106. 

Crookshanks, Joseph, 132. 

B. S. Clearage, James, 104. F. 

Curtis, Abigail, 002. 

Collins, Mary, 001. 

B. S. Chever, James, 107. F. H. 

B. S. Cooke, William, 113. F. H. 

fCotton, James, 111. 

Cloutman, Daniel, 102. 

[5] Creeley, James, 113. 

Clarke, Elizabeth, 013. H. 

Carroll, James, 115. 

N.'Cloutman, Benjamin, 124. F. 

D. S. Dodge, Joshua, 225. F. H. 

M. H. L. Dean, Benjamin, 214. F. H. 

Dale, John, 111. 

N. Diman, Thomas, 101. F. P. 

D. S. Dean, Thomas, 315. F. H. 

Dean, Polly, 002. 

B. S. Elkins, Mary, 101. F. P. 

B. S. Elkins, Henry, 113. F. P. 

t Edwards, John, 202. 

B. S. English, Philip, 213. F. 

English, Andrew, 102. 

Eulin, Edward, 122. 

Foot, Samuell, 113. 

Fairfield, Rebecca, 025, 

Franks, Joseph, 112. 

fFrench, Joshua, 223. H. 

fForbes, John, 122. 

fW. L. Elkins, Sarah, 111. F. P. 

[6] D. S. Fiske, John, 219. F. P. 

Foye, William, 145. 

B. L. Fairfield, John, 245. F. 

tGreenwood, Elizabeth, 004. P. 

B. Grant, Francis, 111. F. 

f Grant, Francis jun r , 102. 

Gale, Annee, 003. 

Gould, Jonathan, 102. 

Gill, Priscilla, 007. F. 

B. S. Gibaut, Edward, 203. F. P. 

Gunnison, John, 122. 

Gaines, Josiah, 102. H. 

Gale, Martha, 322. 

Gardiner, Benjamin, 101. H. 



C. Mariner, 

Mariner, 

Laboure 

Mariner, 

Ship Carpenter, 

Widow 

Widow, 

C. Mariner, 

Taylor, 

Mariner 

Labourer, 

Mariner, 

Widow 

Labourer 

Carpenter 

Merchant 

C. Mariner 

Distiller 

Fisherman 

C. Mariner. 

Widow 

Widow 

C. Mariner 

Mariner 

Sexton 

Labourer 

Mariner 

Mariner 

Widow 

Labourer 

Carter 

Mariner 

Widow 

Merchant. General M 

Ropemaker 

Carpenter 

Shopkeeper 

Fisherman 

Mariner 

Widow 

Labourer 

School Mistress 

C. Mariner 

Ship Carpenter 

Ropemaker 

Widow. 

Ropemaker 



1790] 



REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 



225 



tHerrick, Barnabas, 103. F. H. 

fHodges, Joseph, 113. F. 

C. Hosmer, Joseph, 101. F. P. 

tHill, John, 132. F. H. 

B. W. L. Hodges, George, 113. F. H. 

B. S. Hodges, John, 101. F. P. 

B. S. Hodges, Benjamin, 235. F. P. 

B. S. Hodges, Gamaliel, 111. F. P. 

[7] T. L. Hutchinson, Mary, 113. F. H. 

Hart, Joseph, 123. 

Hodgedon, Martha, 012. 

B. L. Hitchins, Abijah, 123. F. 

B. S. Harthorne, Susannah, 102. F. P. 
T. L. Ingersoll, Samuel, 124. F. P. 
Jeffrey, James jun r , 101. 

Jeffrey, Walter, 102. H. 
Joy, Joseph, 112. 

C. Knight, Sarah, 013. F. H. 
tKing, William, 214. H. 
fKehou, Samuel, 100. 
King, Lydia, 201. 

Keen, Thomas, 222. 

B. L. Knap, Mary, 033. F. 
Knight, Benjamin, 101. F. 

C. Lambert, Mary, 002. F. P. 
Leach, Mary, 102. 

B. S. Lambert, Joseph, 124. F. P. 
Lefaveur, Amos, 112. H. 
Lascell, George, 312. 

Lander, Mary, 002. 

D. S. Lane, Nicholas, 308. F. H. 
[8] C. Mason, Jonathan, 103. F. P. 

C. Masury, Deliverance, 102. F. 
B. S. Masury, John, 101. F. 

B. S. Masury, Mercy, 016. F. 
Mason, Jonathan jun r , 123. H. 
Manning, Richard jun r , 446. H. 
B. S. Millet, Jonathan sen r , 313. F. H. 
B. S. Manning, Richard sen r , 204. F. P. 
H. L. Millet, Elizabeth, 202. F. 
Malcolm, David, 314. 

D. S. Mascoll, Hannah, 004. F. 

M. H. L. Millet, Jonathan jun r , 101. F. H. 

Murray, Elizabeth, 001. 

B. S. Murray, Lydia, 001. F. 

Murray, Peter, 112. 

Masury, James, 242. 



Carpenter. 

Mariner. 

C. Mariner. 

Tobacconist. 

C. Mariner. 

C. Mariner. 

C. Mariner. 

0. Mariner. 

Widow. 

Labourer. 

Widow. 

Ship Carpenter. 

Widow. 

C. Mariner. 

Mariner. 

Mariner 

Shoemaker- 

Widow. 

Turner. 

Mariner. 

Widow. 

Mariner. 

Widow. 

C. Mariner. 

Widow. 

Widow. 

C. Mariner. 

Taylor. 

Labourer. 

Widow. 

Sailmaker. 

C. Mariner. 

Widow. 

Mariner. 

Widow. 

C. Mariner. 

Blacksmith. 

Cooper. 

C. Mariner. 

Widow. 

Mariner.. 

Widow. 

Mariner. 

Widow. 

Maiden. 

Cooper. 

Cooper. 



226 



DIARY OF 



[1790 



Macgregory, John, 102. H. 

D. L. Macgrau, Elizabeth, 002. F. 

[9] Masury, Thomas, 111. 

Meservey, Anne, 002. 

Murray, Polly, 012. 

Masury, Samuel, 123. 

Nourse, Benjamin, 122. 

Nichols, Richard, 102. 

Odell, Samuel, 124. 

fOrne, Josiah, 116. H. 

Philips, Elizabeth, 102. H. 

tC Prat, Joseph, 332. F. H. 

Porter, Abigail, 013. 

Parsons, Thomas, 112. 

tB. S. Phelps, Ebenezer, 102. F. 

tPhippen, Nath., 133. F. 

Phippen, Ebenezer, 125. H. 

M. L. Paterson, William, 223. F. H. 

Prince, Henry, 122. H. 

Palfrey, Walter, 301. 

M. H. L. Phippen, Joshua, 545. F. H. 

B. L. Peele, William, 305. F. 

[10] Palfrey, Jonathan, 102. 

B. S. Presson, Andrew, 123. F. 

C. Richardson, Nathaniel, 643. F. P. 
Rowell, Thomas, 244. H. 

Rogers, Nathaniel, 133. H. 

Ropes, George, 111. H. 

tRopes, Samuel, 274. F. H. 

Rue, Thomas, 235. 

Ravell, John, 125. 

Richardson, Robert, 112. 

B. S. Rantolph*. 022. F. P. 

B. Smith, Robert, 102. F. 

B. S. Silver, Sarah, 002. F. 

Smith, George, 112. H. 

B. S. Sleuman, Andrew, 112. F. H. 

Smith, Samuel, 101. 

Strout, Joseph, 122. H. 

Stevens, Mary, 013. 

T. L. Soward,§ Susannah, 001. F. 

[11] M. H. L. Stone, Robert, 127. F. P. 

fB. S. Silsbee, Nathaniel, 223. F. P. 

D. L. Swasey, Samuel, 215. F. 
Sage, William, 125. 

*Mary Rantoul? 

§Perhaps afterwards Southward. 



C. Mariner. 

Widow. 

Mariner. 

Widow. 

Tayloress. 

Mariner. 

Baker. 

Mariner. 

Mariner. 

C. Mariner. 

Widow. 

C. Mariner. 

Widow. 

C. Mariner. 

Baker. 

C. Mariner. 

Carpenter. 

C. Mariner. 

Mariner. 

Mariner. 

Cooper. 

Cooper. 

Fisherman. 

C. Mariner. 

Merchant. 

Boatbuilder. 

School Master. 

Mariner. 

Cooper. 

Labourer. 

C. Mariner. 

C. Mariner. 

Widow. 

Farmer. 

Widow. 

C. Mariner. 

C. Mariner. 

Mariner. 

C. Mariner. 

Widow. 

Widow. 

C. Mariner. 

C. Mariner. 

C. Mariner. 

Carpenter. 



1790] 



REV. WILLIAM BENTLBY 



227 



D. L. Smith, Rebecca, 003. F. 

B. S. Silsbee, Samuel, 10, 12. F. P. 
Sage, Daniel, 112. H. 

Silsbee, Samuel jun r , 103. H. 

Stoddard, Ebenezer, 432. 

Shehane, Daniel jun r , 101. 

Tozzer, Abia, 103. F. 

Thompson, Anne, 001. 

T. L. Townsend, Penn., 202. F. P. 

D. S. Townsend, Moses, 203. F. H. 

Thomas, William, 133. 

Townsend, Samuel, 111. 

N. Twisse, Jonathan, 101. F. 

Waters, Joseph, 106. 

C. Vincent, Joseph, 534. F. P. 

[12] C. W. Webb, Hannah, 202. F. P. 

Webb, Benjamin tert : 122. H. 

B. S. Wyatt, William, 103. F. 

B. S. Ward, Benjamin jun r , 102. F. P. 

White, Isaac, 245. H 

White, Henry, 162. H. 

tWaters, Mary, 103. F. P. 

Webb, Oliver, 122. H. 

B. S. Watson, John, 126. F. P. 

B. S. White, John, 101. F. P. 

D. S. White, Joseph, 205. F. P. 
N. Webb, Stephen, 112. F. P. 

D. S. Welman, Mercy, 224. F. P. 

M. H. L. Valpey, Richard, 304. F. H. 

Ward, Mary, 102. 

Valpey, Richard jun r , 132. 

Underwood, Sarah, 011. 

Williams, Thomas, 111. 

[13] B. L. Woodkins, Samuel, 103. F. P. 

Underwood, John, 102. 

Whittemore, Retire, 102. H. 

fWest, Nathaniel, 134. H. 

Welcome, Elizabeth, 114. H. 

D. S. Welman, Timothy, 124. F. P. 

Very, James, 102. H. 

D. L. Webb, John, 321. F. 

Webb, Hannah, 022. 

N. Whitford, Mary, 024. F. 

Whittemore, Mary, 112. 

About 20 persons attend from the Charity 
sionally from the Neck. 

Streets two. Bow Street, B. Derby Street, 



Shopkeeper. 

Carpenter. 

Mariner. 

Carpenter. 

Shoemaker. 

Mariner. 

Widow. 

Widow. 

C. Mariner. 

C. Mariner. 

C. Mariner. 

Mariner. 

Farmer. 

C. Mariner. 

Rope Maker. 

Widow. 

C. Mariner. 

C. Mariner. 

C. M. Carpenter. 

Tallow Chandler. 

C. Mariner. 

Widow. 

C. Mariner. 

School Master. 

C. Mariner. 

Merchant. 

At the Fort. 

Widow. 

Fisherman. 

Widow. 

Fisherman. 

Widow. 

Mariner. 

Caulker. 

Mariner. 

C. Mariner. 

Merchant. 

Widow. 

C. Mariner. 

C. Mariner. 

Shoemaker. 

Widow. 

Widow. 

Widow. 

House & some occa- 

D. 



228 diary op [1790 

Lanes, Fiske's. W, Long Wharf. M, Millet's. BW, Browne's. H, 
Hodges'. D, Daniel's. MH, Meeting House Lane. T, Turner's. B, 
Becket's. E, English's. C, Common. B, Road to Bridge. N, Neck. 

These are arbitrary. fWithout old Parish Lines. Females 670. 

[14] [Inscriptions on the Doric Column in Boston erected in 
1790, appearing in the original are here omitted.] 

[16] December 23, 1790. Thursday. Gloria Deo. Last evening 
we had news of the arrival of E. H. Derby, jun r in the West Indies, 
with whom are John Gibaut & Capt B. Crowninshield, from Bengal, 
C. Crowninshield, & M r Carnes. 

24. Went for Boston & visited my friends. 

25. Preached in the Chapel & assisted in the Communion and 
returned with M r Harris to Salem in the Stage. 

[Dec] 26. Sunday. Very stormy. Gibaut has arrived with 
Orne. Notes. Widow Abial Tozzer & children, death of her mother 
M. Whitefoot, & for a Son at Sea. 

27. M r Belnap has proposed to publish two Volumes more of 
his History of New Hampshire, & I begged M r Harris to subscribe 
in my behalf. 

28. Information by M r Q. that a certain Botanical Gentleman*, 
after the assignation of his Pulpit by the association, wrote to 
another person requesting his presence, as said Preacher would be 
disagreeable to his Parish, to whom he was actually unknown. 

29. Had the pleasure of seeing for the first time a native of the 
Indies from Madras. He is of very dark complection, long black 
hair, soft countenance, tall, & well proportioned. He is said to be 
darker than Indians in general of his own cast, being much darker 
than any native Indians of America. I had no opportunity to 
judge of his abilities, but his countenance was not expressive. He 
came to Salem with Capt. J. Gibaut, and has been in Europe. 

[17] 30. Last evening the House of the Widow Neal, on Pick- 
ering's Hill, was broken open, & effects to the amount of two hun- 
dred dollars taken away. The thieves went into every part of the 
house. 

31. Snow. This is the eighth or ninth snow storm & the 
weather uncommonly cold for a month past. Capt. E. H. Derby 
arrived in Town from his Voyage by the way of Martha's Vineyard, 
by land. Mess" Le Favre, Parker & Swan attended the Singing 
this evening & gave encouragement that they would sit in the 
seatsf on Sunday. 

Purposes for the ensuing year in my profession. To expound at 
the Lecture of the Scriptures. To catechise the children once a 
month after the Communion from April to November. To preserve 
the expositions in a separate Volume. To revive my knowledge of 
the Hebrew & Oriental Languages. Critically examine the Greek 

*Rev. Manasseh Cutler of Hamilton? 

t" In the seats," i.e. in the singing seats, or in the choir. 



1791] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 229 

Testament, &c. To go over again the principal Latin & Greek 
Classics. In morality, to obey the Gospel. 

[18] January 1, 1791. Saturday. Violent Snow Storm. Capt. 
Boardman arrived in Boston just before the Storm. An uncommon 
quantity of Snow upon the ground, & very much drifted. 

[Jan.] 2. Sunday. Samuel Kehoe, death of his wife in his 
absence. 

3. Wood at 4 dollars p r cord in Boston. Introduced yesterday 
the LECTURE proposed, in explaining the scripture at the usual 
time of reading to the assembly. The Commentaries are to be en- 
tered in a volume reserved for the purpose, with the date, to shew 
when delivered. 

4. M r Belnap sent a subscription paper for the two last Volumes 
of his History of N. Hampshire. M r Harris is to leave my name 
for my own S. Paper. 

5. We are told that D r Walter, of Nova Scotia, formerly of 
Boston has accepted Christ's Church at Cambridge. [20] This 
Gentleman was a Rector of Trinity C. Boston, & left with the Brit- 
ish Troops. He has since visited Salem as an heir to Judge Lynde, 
& has preached in the several Episcopal Houses in the State. He 
was invited to Christ's Church in Boston but from a disunion in the 
Vestry, he has suspended such a measure. He is the present object 
of the Episcopate. 

6. M r W. Gray gave notice to Messieurs Gaines & Gardiner, 
who occupy the Rope Walk upon English's Lane, that he had pur- 
chased it, & should take possession. Its length is 107 fathoms and 
it has land on each side. M r Vincent's Rope Walk is in length. 
M r Briggs* has purchased of Capt. R. Stone, the land in fee of his 
wife for 400 dollars, & has engaged a Work House & Walk to be 
built for 120£ or 400 Dollars. 

7. Day before yesterday, a Capt. Lambert's family moved into 
the Eastern end of Crowninshield's house, next door. Last night 
the Store near the Mansion House of Capt. Thorn : Mason was brok- 
en open, & 2 Barrels of Flour & one of Sugar taken away, which 
were lodged there on the day before. Capt. Jon a Mason jun r is re- 
ported to have made a great Voyage. He has been into New Lon- 
don & the Vinyard upon his return. He speaks of the Bishop's 
Chapel as not finished, but as modest, and pleasing to the eye, & 
N. London flourishing. 

[21] 8. A List of several persons living to great age by whose 
age several others are ascertained. 

Sarah Manning, Born 15 th Dec r A. D. 1691. 
Margaret Lambert, do 14 Jan y « 1690. 
Preserved Lambert, do 30 th April, " 1692. 
These were given to me from family records by Esq r Manning. 

•Thomas Briggs who came from Little Compton, R. I., married Anna, daughter of 
Joseph Vincent. In 1804, this rope-walk was removed to Bridge street. 



230 DIARY OP [1791 

[Jan.] 9. Sunday. Notes. Thomas Rowell's wife, delivery. 
Last evening Capt. Thomas Mason discovered the thief of last 
Thursday, a Negro, connected with the servants of his family. 
And the event affects tenderly the reputation of a man , who keeps 
a 4< Beggar- maker's Shop," a Retailer, & Pawner. 

10. M r Carnes, who married the eldest daughter of R. Derby 
Esq r , having been absent for a long time, & for various moral causes, 
was present this day at the Collation, & is received with great 
cordiality. The idea of an unworthy match has been pursued after 
marriage. 

11. Cleveland has pursued his controversy in the Gazette, & rests 
the cause upon the old Jesuitical argument, Where was your relig- 
ion before Luther, & upon a strange jumble of scripture with the 
words of his opponent. This man has been sorely chastised by 
Mayhew, Whitaker & Foster & now again defies the last. 

[22] 13. Ex agris orientis venit amicus ad Salem, ad suos con- 
socios apud quos ad inhabitavit. Inter alios ad domum nostrum 
accedit, cum uxore sua, et filiolo. Uxor est formosa, et magna esti- 
mation e habita. In habitationem meam introducta est familia, ut 
conspicerent curiosa, in custodia mea posita. Introeunt, et exeunt 
familiariter, et diligissime curavi eis omnibus placere, et indulgere. 
Tempus preterit et ad theam omnes sunt vocati. Hospes medicus 
manet, mecuni ire expectans. Nil dicitur. Expecto. Nil audio. 
Me ipsum amico excuso ad domum proximi discedo. Res finita est. 
Haec in memoria ponuntur, quia apud faeminas, vesperi, die Solis, 
exquisitur, our non apud nos theam bibisti, dum nos apud te visi- 
tavimus. Nos omnes admiravimus, dum rogitavimus ubi est Pastor ? 
Respondit ilia, nescio, inter suos amicos teor. Cur non ilium inter 
nos se habere, rogasti. Saepissime ab est, non. Ex indifferentia 
in verbis, et colloquiis ostentata, nos judicamus, te not digne ac- 
ceptum esse & ex coloco removendum. Aliter ex aliis expectaturum 
te contemptum, et quae tuae utilitatem virtutis impedunt, cogitamus. 
Exemplum recens se offert. Ubique colloquitur, cur in illo loco 
habitat ? Dicilli, removendum est. [23] Hinc oriuntur jurgia do- 
mestica. Ad mensam me vertens versus matrem familias, dico, mane 
jube servam apportare cibi portionem in cubiculam factum erit, re- 
spondit. Quae accepta a te habeo, da pretio mihi, ut solvam. 
Unde petis, est ne in animo ira? qua causa. Repeto quae mihi. 
Ambo erravimus si tibi placeat, discede. Cur non exoptes. Si tu 
exoptes, exopto, — et alia. 

14. News of Capt Lambert, who has long been missing. He had 
lost his Bowsprit, & foremast. The news by a Southern Gazette. 
Several valuable families interested in his fate. 

15. A perfect calm, every man asking have you no News? 
[Jan.] 16. Sunday. Notes. Bethiah Shehane, safe delivery. Hus- 
band & Brethren at Sea. 

17. A very severe Snow Storm. Several vessels broke from the 
wharf & suffered damage. 



1791] KEV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 231 

[24] 19. By the Gazette it appears that on Sunday last, a Ship 
arrived at Cape Ann from a Whaling Voyage with 1,600 Barrels 
of Oil on board. I took the liberty in the Gazette of Yesterday to 
say a few severe things to the infamous Cleveland of Ipswich, who 
has for some time past been calumniating the Universalists. I re- 
minded him of D r May hew, Whitaker, & M r Foster, & the scandal- 
ous fruit of his own disorderly behavior. A more hardened wretch 
scarcely ever appeared. 

20. Had some information respecting Coromandel coast, & 
Bengal from Capt B. Crowninshield, & Gibaut. The first testifies 
that he saw the funeral fire of an husband, in which the wife was 
consumed. She was feeble, led round the pile by two Bramins, 
appeared wild, & was suspected of taking opium. The fire was 
quickened by brimstone, oil, &c. & the ashes swept into the River. 
She was very young. 

21. Bis mane mandavi Nuro, ut diceret Matrifamilias, jentaculum 
parare infra. Petivi, cur non ex desiderio meo obsonium meum est 
parandum. Respondit nurus, Obedivi, nihil aliud ad me pertinet. 
Exquiritur, cur talia parva sint notanda? Quia dicit Proverbus 
difficilius est regere spiritum, quam regnum. Et hsec parva ut 
odontalgia dolorem sinceram parturiunt. Sed qua? mala ex ira pro- 
fluunt. Amici divites, loquaces, et ad iracundiam parati. Nunquam 
inter se felices, semper irati. 

[25] This day the Keel of M r Derby's intended Brig, was laid in 
the yard on the east side of the Wharf near the Great Ship. 

22. Very cold again, after moderate weather. General opinion 
that the whipping of C. in the Gazette is too severe. I am not a 
little indebted to the Clergy for the opinion, if just. The Printer 
has his fears. 

[Jan.] 23. Sunday. Notes. Nicholas Lane for his wife's delivery. 
No Singing through the whole day, not even an attempt. M r Le- 
favre, Swan, & Parker promised their assistance, but by drawing a 
prize of 300 pounds in the lottery, they have been detained from 
public worship. 

24. Died, a Wife of Jon* Ingersoll, much respected. The Clock 
weight broke down yesterday. The rage of Lotteries increases 
every day. State's Annual & Monthly Lottery, Marblehead, 
Leicester, &c. are now out. 

27. Was buried a M r Northey, Writing Schoolmaster, in the Cen- 
ter School, at 21 years of age. He was promising in his profession, 
& has left some happy specimens of his ingenuity. 

28. At seven this morning M r D. Shehane, who has long laboured 
of the Dysentery, was seized with violent pains in the bowels, & 
after continuing without cessasion till eight in the evening he ex- 
pired. He went to the wharf to work in the morning. 

29. per. B. Ward. Mater familias mihi direxit loca qua? teneo sub 
suo tecto post mensem secundam se signare. Petivi ab ilia me re- 



232 DIARY OF [1791 

signaturum censensu suo. Hoc saepissime desideravi, et spero omnia 
factura sub silentio. Sed quid non timeam ? Femina iracunda, 
hostis vigilans. Amici timidi. Horresco reus ! 

[28] [Jan.] 30. Sunday. Notes. Joseph Hodges & Wife, death of 
his Sister. Abigail Nesboth, thanks for her delivery, prayers for 
herself dang : sick, & Brethren at Sea. Samuel Woodkins & Wife, 
youngest child sick. 

31. Very windy. A M r Frazer, a Scotish man has appeared, & 
opened a School in this Town this month. He came from Liv- 
erpool in Capt Sleuman. 

February 1. Tuesday. On 10 th instant The Light House on Port- 
land head was lighted. 

[29] 2. Capt Orne sailed last week from Boston, but having 
sprung a leak, he returned the next day. Corpus weighed by M r 
Gardner. W* 203 lb. Capt Forrester has purchased the elegant 
but unfinished House of Capt Jon a Ingersoll, fronting Derby Street, 
with the Cobb Wharf* & Store & flats, at about £700. M r Amos 
Lefavre, who drew the 1/3 of the prize of 1,000 Dollars has pur- 
chased a lot of land in Daniel's Lane, lately belonging to M r B. 
Browne, at 12 dollars p r Pole. M r Rowell has purchased a lot of 
Land in Turner's Lane. 

[30] 4. An Anecdote of the Appleton family, when first embark- 
ing with the original settlers of America, that they sold their Hop 
poles for 500£ sterling. Last Wednesday Capt. S. Chever submit- 
ted to an amputation on account of a cancerous humour which had 
resisted every method of cure. In the summer there came along 
from Rhode island a M r -, a Quack who pretended cures of Can- 
cers. He applied to an inveterate Cancer on the br.east of M r8 She- 
hane, wife of him lately deceased. Beyond all expectation he 
succeeded and at present the patient is free from complaint. Capt 
S. Chever being long indisposed, on various accounts applied to this 
Adventurer, & submitted to his operations. They were caustic, & 
after 20 minutes extreme pains they occasioned paralytic affections 
very violent, & of which the patient has not recovered. But as he 
has been recruiting the Cancer has become more troublesome. He 
consented at last with great reluctance, & D r Warren of Boston per- 
formed the amputation. 

M r Thayer the Catholic Missionary, has bid open defiance to all 
the Clergy of every denomination to dispute with him, & advertised 
in the Gazette a proposed conference between him & a M r Leslie. 
But his antagonist did not appear. 

[31] 5. M r Winthrop of Cambridge called upon me, & I delivered 
to him, one Spanish Copper Coin. 

II One Anglesey penny, & 1/2 penny. 

III A Nootka sound Spear, eight feet. 

IIII A Silver fish, water snake, Centipedes, &c. flying fish. 

•Afterwards known as "Central wharf." 



1791] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 283 

V Chinese herb for smoaking. 

VI Specimen of Carolina Soap nut. 

VII Calcutta papers, including their business, &c. 

VIII Persic writing on Palm leaf. 

IX & Catalogue, &c. Coin of West frisia silver, & piece of L. XIV 
brass. 

[Feb.] 6. Sunday. Notes. Sarah Shehaue, death of Husband & 
Children, prayers for Sons at Sea. James Collins & wife, death of 
their Brother Shehane, & for bis Brother & friends at Sea. 

7. Bain after the long cold. Went round the Town with M r 
Winthrop, &c. He went for Cambridge after dinner. Judge Low- 
ell's Oration on the death of Governor Bowdoin was very popular. 
The Question, whether a member, holding the office of a District 
Judge was entitled to his Seat in the House, in the case of Judge 
Sewall, was determined against him, & the noted John Gardiner 
remarked that it was the Judge's intention to legislate in that house, 
in regard to those very laws which he would afterwards attempt to 
explain. 

[32] 8. The Savages are very troublesome in the country back 
of our Southern States. Some of our Settlements on the Ohio have 
b' j en disturbed, & men who left happy accommodations in this 
State, from the promised glory of Muskingum, have combatted 
poverty, & fell a prey to the persevering cruelty of the Savages. 

9. An uncommon Snow storm. As I watched last night with 
Capt. Chever, I did not go abroad till the evening. M r Thompson, 
Tutor at Cambridge was with me, & assured me of the long peace 
they had had within a few months, without an example since the 
political convulsions, & the resignation of D r Langdon. 

10. The Storm continued till noon. In the afternoon Mess r 
Thompson, Gibaut, & Dodge drank tea, & spent the afternoon & 
part of the evening. Conversation various. M r Winthrop when 
with me, informed me that in company with ten persons he was 
forming am historical Society, who intended a series of occasional 
publications, to assist the History of this Country, particularly 
State. How far he had proceeded I did not learn. M r T. assures 
me M r Bowdoin's 400£ legacy is for premiums. It is reported 
that the University in the funds realise above 100,000 dollars, but 
the specific character I do not learn. 

[33] 11. M r Dodge & some other Gentlemen attended our Sing- 
ing School. M r Holyoke's Music lately published was introduced. 
This Gentleman is the first Son of Harvard of whom I have heard, 
that has published an original collection of Music from his own 
compositions. He is the Son of a Minister in Boxford, Essex. 
The name given him was the American Madan, from the character 
of the Music. 

12. Vir, tarn molestus persuadere conatus est. Virum ingenuum 
apud nos prandientem die Jovis, displacitum esse in colloquio meo 



234 DIARY OF [1791 

de Cleris. Spero in hoc suam stultitiam contemptui ilium daturam, 
&c. &c. The weather again very pleasant. 

[Feb.] 14. Monday. Made a contract with Hannah Crownin- 
shield* for the use of her Chamber for my separate use, & board- 
ing, & washing to be done under her care, eighteen shillings, I 
having the privilege of every usual family meal whether custom- 
arily asked by me or not, & liberty to accommodate a friend occasion- 
ally by night & by day. 

[34] 15. Capt. Chipman is ashore on Cape Cod. This is the 
second misfortune of this kind which has befel this worthy young 
man. 

16. A Fray upon the Bridge between Gentlemen of Salem, & 
the watchmen last night. A Project on foot for an Historical So- 
ciety, or an association for the History of our Country, to preserve 
& publish. M r Belnap is concerned. M r Winthrop with his penta- 
graph is preparing Holland's Map for the continuation of his history. 

17. The Council of Lynn did not compose difficulties. A meth- 
odist has entered, & enticed the greater part of the Parish. The 
result of council has been published in the Gazette , & the defection 
continuing, consequences are to be feared. 

18. A Spell of cold weather. At noon yesterday the Thermom- 
eter Faren : stood 9° at noon, 2° at sunrise. This day the weather 
is a few degrees more moderate. This weather was so immediately 
preceeded by a Thaw, that the cold was distressing. 

19. Last evening Lee the Methodist, now preaching in Lynn, 
preached in the Independent Meeting House, but so generally dis- 
gusted a large audience that he has finished his work in this Town. 
The whole Office attended. 

[35] [Feb.] 20. Sunday. Samuel Woodkind & Wife, death of 
youngest child, Brother & friends at Sea. 

21. Remarks on the unusual severity of the Season: we are said 
to have had 7 storms of Snow. Few losses in the Bay considering 
the severity of the Season. 

22. Moderate weather, in consequence everybody seems in mo- 
tion. M r Derby has advertised all his India effects for a public 
Vendue. 

23. Snow again. But cleared off warm, & cold again in the 
evening. Had a proof how feeble instruments of superstition can 
distract minds, otherwise reasonable, particularly in hours of dis- 
tress. 

25. Application being made from Lynn that I would visit M r 
Parsons, & assist his friends in a public defence against the ill 
effect of an untimely publication of the result of council, I wrote a 
letter inclosing a paper recommended for his examination, & use. 
I begged to be unknown, but promised him all the assistance in my 
power. The original is to be returned & a copy taken. 

•Widow of Capt. Jacob Crown inshicld. The house in which she lived is yet standing 
on Essex street opposite Union street. Dr. Bentley lived here until his death in 1819. 



1791] REV. WTLLIAM BENTLEY 235 

26. The noted John Gardner has taken Freeman, the Printer, 
for defamation, & he is acquitted. Gardner has been taken for 
blasphemy to the no small gratification of the Lawyers & Clergy. 
A report. 

[36] [Feb.] 27. Sunday. Notes. Samuel Smith & wife for her 
sick, her Sons at Sea. Abigail Nesboth for herself near unto death. 
Mary Lambert for death of her G. Son Tucker, & for her G. Chil- 
dren at Sea. Wid. Sarah Underwood for death of Brother Bate- 
man,* & for two sons at Sea. James Clearage & Wife for her de- 
livery, & for her Mother dangerously sick. Elizabeth Warner for 
her child dangerously sick, & her husband & a child absent. 

28. Preparing to remove from M rs Elkins', with whom I have 
boarded ever since my ordination , & occasionally from the May pre- 
ceeding, wanting only two months of eight years. The Separation 
was by mutual consent, as the house became rather uncomfortable 
for us. To live happily hereafter I must not be too familiar, or 
too inattentive to the persons with whom I dwell. I must depre- 
cate the consequences of free conversation, which will be enquired 
of from domestics of every character. I must never speak from 
passion or judge at the moment. I must remember that my temper 
in the public opinion has been imprudent, & take council even from 
my enemies. Sincerely to practice the duties of a religion, is the 
best way to become respected in the profession of it. 

[37] March 1, 1791. On the first day of March, I removed from 
Mary Elkin's opposite the Meeting, to Hannah Crowninshield oppo- 
site Long Wharf Lane. Agreably to the contract of the 14 th ult, I 
am to be entertained. By courtesy I have the western upper 
Chamber to lodge in.t Lydia Smith who died yesterday was 
named Lydia Dart, & married successively Brown, Stileman, & 
Smith. Her children are all by the second husband. The last, 
excepting the English seaman's evil, which lasts about one month 
in twelve, is an excellent seaman, & an able teacher of navigation, 
& the Mathematics. During the war he was absent, & belonged to 
Greenwich Hospital. He afterwards returned to his wife in Salem. 

2. Died this day Jon a : Gardiner, Esqr : aet. 62.$ A most use- 
ful Citizen, of amiable temper, inflexible integrity, and a sober 
friend to all useful, social & religious institutions. He was Presi- 
dent of the Marine Society & has served the Town in every useful 
office. A better man is not left behind. He has left an only son 
& child behind. 

The Eliz: Warner mentioned last Sunday is a woman of ill fame, 
who imposed upon me a note to obtaiu pecuniary aid. M r Parsons 
of Lynn with me upon the subject of a paper War. Nothing 
agreed upon. 

*Bootinan, now Batman '.' 

tThe eastern chamber was afterwards, and for many years, occupied by Dr. tteutley. 

JLived in a white house formerly on the site of the Essex Institute building. 



236 DIAEY OF [1791 

[38] 3. M r Cutler has an actual survey of the works upon the 
Ohio, & is now endeavoring to obtain information respecting simi- 
lar works upon the Mexican Territory. Had an opportunity to see 
the effects of savage life, in the Strength of untutored passions, 
even when the heart not bad. 

4. The Heirs of M r Diman have sent an Officer with an execu- 
tion, & he went to Esq r Manning, who did conceal himself, & so the 
matter issued. The majority of the people are determined upon a 
suit at Law. 

5. The procession at M r Gardner's funeral was led by children, 
who preceeded the Corpse, in honor of his conduct, as of the School 
Committee. 

[Mar.] 6. Sunday. Notes. Mary Lander, death of Daughter 
Smith. Samuel Smith, d. of wife, & for friends abroad. Ruth 
Briggs & children, d. of her mother Smith, & husband & Sons at 
Sea. Elizabeth Thomas, d. of her mother Smith, husband at Sea. 
W. Mary Burroughs, d. of her mother Smith, & Son at Sea. Widow 
Mary Andrew & Children, d. of her Brother Gardiner. Wid : Mary 
Gardiner, d. of her Son in Law Gardiner. Abigail Nesboth, dang : 
sick, & for friends at Sea. Violet Grant, an African, dang: sick. 
Jon a Archer, for wife's delivery, & friends abroad. [39] The 
Chimney of an old house belonging to Knaps family fell in, this 
morning & broke four eggs hatched behind it. No person in the 
house suffered. Several petty thefts have happened in the Town 
about this time. 

7. A conversation with Hopkins respecting the afternoon 
service, who alledges, his habits, the neglect of the afternoon ser- 
vice, & the impracticability of his evening Lecture against three 
o'clock. Hypocrisy. 

8. Notice is given in the Gazette that DUMMER ACADEMY 
will be opened on the 25 th of April, by the Rev d Isaac Smith, ap- 
pointed Preceptor.: The Government has granted to the Beverley 
Manufacture seven hundred tickets in the Semi-annual State Lot 
tery, 400 in the present, & 300 in the next class. This measure 
however wise is not a popular measure.- 5,000 lb. of Hemp raised 
on Charlestown Heights by Col. Wood, grew on 6 acres of Land, 
excellent in quality, & produced with the bounty from Government 
of 15£ p r Ton, 500 dollars. Capt. Burke saw a Rock, up 10 feet, 
Lat. 42,30. Long. W. 22,30. 

Census of the Inhabitants of Massachusetts as taken by the 
Marshall of that District [appearing in the original is here omitted.] 

[41] 10. This day arrived Capt. J. Lambert who had been 
blown off the coast, & lost his mast & Bowsprit. 

11. Capt. B. Hodges waited upon me, informing me that he was 
one of a Committee, chosen by the Members of the former Essex 
Lodge, of which I was also chosen a member, to consider & deter- 
mine upon ways & means of restoring said Lodge, recovering its 



1791] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 237 

Charter, & maintaining its reputation. It is agreed to meet this 
evening. A number of old members met on Wednesday evening at 
Buffington's. Col. S. Abbot, Capt. B. Crowninshield, Capt. B. 
Carpenter, Capt. B. Hodges, J° Hiller Esq r , John Jenkes, Rob: Fos- 
ter, James King, Edw. Lang, Abel Lawrence, Capt. Jon a Mason 
jun r , Col. J° Page, Capt. J° Vincent, thirteen persons. They chose 
a committee to prepare a representation to the Grand Lodge, & a 
petition, as well as Bye Laws. The Committee consists of five 
persons, Hiller, Hodges, King, Bentley, & Jenks. And another 
committee to collect the furniture, of four persons, Foster, Page, 
Lawrence & Vincent. And adjourned till Wednesday next 16 th 
instant, 7 o'clock P. M. We met at my house & conversed on the 
subject & adjourned till Tuesday evening. 

[42] 12. A vessel, Brig, drifted ashore from her anchors a few 
nights since near Horton's point. The Harbour without a single 
Vessel riding at Anchor. 

[Mar.] 13. Sunday. Notes. Benj ft Ward, D. of his Father & for 
friends at Sea. Penn Townsend & Wife, D. of Daughter Ingersoll 
& for his Son at Sea. Joseph Lambert, returned from Sea, d. of 
his Father in his absence. Widow Mercy Burke, sick of a Fever. 
Samuel Silsbee & Wife for her delivery & Brethren at Sea. 

14. The Annual Town meeting for the Election of Officers. It 
was voted for the first time to add the Clergy by nomination, to the 
School Committee, a practice which has obtained in Boston for 
several years past. But a Town Meeting speaker discommending 
the measure as novel, & objecting, I declined the service. All the 
Clergy were chosen. The measure has long been talked off, & 
therefore resentment is due against every man of property, & office 
in the Town, who objects, capriciously tho' he retracts hastily. 
The Clergy were j umbled together. 

[43] 15. We had a Committee meeting of the Brethren of the 
former Essex Lodge at James King's, when a copy of the Bye 
Laws & a representation to the Grand Lodge was laid before the 
Committee. The Salem, Essex Lodge was originally chartered in 
1779 and dissolved in 1786. 

16. Found that the Chimney of an old House in Daniel's Lane 
had fallen, the front having been gone for some time. The Breth- 
ren of the late Essex Lodge & others met & accepted their Bye 
Laws , & agreed upon a representation to the Grand Lodge, & a re- 
quest for a Charter, but declined any relation to the former Lodge. 
The Committee, Rev d W. Bentley, Edw : Pulling Esq r , & Joseph 
Hiller Esq r , to wait upon the Grand Lodge. Adjourning to the 
first Wednesday in April. 

17. This day commences the drawing of the Lottery of 25,000 
tickets at 5 dollars each, the highest prize, 10,000 dollars. The 
largest Lottery ever allowed in this government. The sum however 
has been beyond the reach of the people. The smaller lotteries by 



238 diary op [1791 

their speedy sale of tickets left the rage unbounded, but this has 
measured the full extent, & has left several hundred even in this 
town unsold. The donation to Beverley is plead as an excuse, but 
the true cause is visible. Not a ticket scarcely is asked for at this 
time so near drawing, so thoroughly are the people glutted. This 
is called the Semi annual State Lottery. 

[44] 18. M r Adams of Medway with me to collect materials for 
a " Dictionary of all Religions " to be published in a second edition 
by his daughter. He is an old acquaintance in the Book Way, 
having spent many years in travelling the State to collect & to cull 
old Libraries. 

19. Curious proof of the force of Superstition. A child, edu- 
cated in Superstition was left to keep the House while Capt. Ashbey 
went into the next house, to pay his addresses to a young woman. 
He tarried later than usual, in which time the child fell asleep. 
Recovering herself, & finding it to be after ten o'clock in the even- 
ing, she determined to go to bed. Lodging in the room in which 
her friend, the former M r8 Ashbey died, she went in to go to bed. 
She suddenly screamed out & fell down senseless. The Captain & 
others heard & came iu, & found her senseless. When she was re- 
covered, she said that M rs Ashbey appeared to her, nor could she 
upon any consideration be induced to tarry in the house. The 
House was accordiugly evacuated, till this imagination is in some 
measure forgotten. Thus superstition injuries property, as well as 
the enjoyment of life. 

[45] [Mar.] 20. Sunday. Notes. John Battoun & Wife, on 
death of daughter Nezboth, & for Sons at Sea. Margaret Strout, 
on death of her Sister Nezboth & husband, & Friends at Sea. Han- 
nah Pearson, on death of her Sister Nezboth & for Brethren & 
friends at Sea. Mary Eulen, on death of her Sister Nezboth & 
Husband & Brethren at Sea. 

21. The Funeral of M rs Fairfield's child, which died very sud- 
denly. The examination after death was allowed, & an obstruction 
was in the wind pipe, says report. Was with Master Rogers, and 
found the effects of rivalships are the same even among Physicians , 
allowing only for the restraints of the profession. A Physician, 
with the name of Surgeon in the British Army has taken rank 
among us. A profuse liberality to the poor of every class has given 
him great success, but he has made some wretched errors in his 
practice. A dislocated jaw was a Spasm, a shoulder in the same 
state, was not recovered but by the help of another physician. An 
incision of the foot bound up, without taking the artery, till he had 
help. Such facts give great advantage to those, who think his suc- 
cess depending upon his pretentions. Report that Capt. Roach is 
seized at Bristol. [46] 23. Mercy Burke's child's dead. Her G. 
Mother & Mother lived together in a miserable hovel, with 4 others 
miserable by the lowest vices, & in extreme poverty. M r Oliver of 



1791] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 239 

Marblehead about to leave S* Michael's Church. It is agreed on 
for Easter next. Ostensible reason the small congregation. Visit 
at Capt J° White's upon the subject of late marriage. This is a 
house from which I have been deterred by the controversy respect- 
ing the Girls, & other less visible causes. 

[47] 24. Last evening in the absence of the Families inhabiting 
a House of M r Bray (whose Tenants are Capt Roach & Archer) an 
Incendiary broke a pane in a window back of the House, belonging 
to a Closet in Capt Roach's apartment, & threw in a Mug full of 
Pine coals. Each of them took fire upon the Shelves & floor, as 
they scattered, but went out, without burning the House. The 
mug was put under the fence near the house, & in it the coals ap- 
pear to have been brought. They have burnt enough to discover 
the most vile intentions. The window appears to have been broken 
forcibly. The House is in the Lane leading from the Episcopal 
Church to Court Street. 

In conversation with Madam Renew, whose family name was 
Abbot, I found the following facts respecting Abbot's Cove, the inlet 
formed between the Island & the mainland towards the Sea, closed 
by the Marsh & Causeway. Her G. Father bought the House, 
whose Cellar is now beneath the Headland of Juniper Point, to- 
wards the Cove, of a M r Tapley. It had only a small spot of land 
adjoining. He afterwards bought a small house near the Causeway, 
& owned them both. He died 60 years ago, in his 93 d year. He 
must have been born about 1640. The house first purchased he 
kept as a public House. There is no evidence in what year the 
first purchase was made, or that Tapley was the original owner. 
Abbot was, she says, of Connecticut & in man's estate when he pur- 
chased. He has however given name to the Rock, Cove & Farm 
probably from the public House he kept. [48] The only recollec- 
tion she has of the original or former state of the Farm is that 
when she was born her parents lived in the old House, & had certain 
privileges for taking care of the pasture as the Land adjoining was 
then called, & that it was owned by Old Col. Higginson, & by him 
disposed of to Capt Ives, & by his heirs disposed of to Capt R. 
Derby, with whose heirs it now remains. It would be a proper en- 
quiry whether the Land came to the Col. Higginson by his father 
& G. Father, the Ministers, as that might probably ascertain the 
original English Proprietors. The Informant M. Renew, the G. 
Daughter, is now 85 years old. Abbot sold to Ives, & the whole 
property afterwards passed into the same hands. 

25. The Lottery engages the conversation of the many in this 
rainy season. Preparations are making for great India Sales by 
M r Derby. M r Gardiner's prosecution of the Printer has made the 
Gazette writers more cautious, & any personal reflections have apol- 
ogies which is a great diminution of their effect upon the public 
who forget that a man has any merit, when he is abused. 



240 DIARY OP [1791 

[49] 26. Discovered from the Deputy Adjutant General J° 
Tracey, that the officers of Salem Regiment had resigned. It may 
be a sacrifice to ambition. It is pretended that the Major General 
Titcombe's resignation is the object. The Major Harthorne, & one 
Captain, M r Holman have not resigned. The Subalterns it is said, 
have the purpose of following the example. Great complaints 
have been made that the Militia Law does not in such way provide 
for the election of Officers, that they shall necessarily be commis- 
sioned. Some towns have their full duty, while others evade the 
Law with impunity. 

[Mar.] 27. Sunday. Notes. Widow Rebecca Fairfield, d. of her 
child, & son at Sea. Mercy White, continuing dangerously sick. 
A very pleasant day to open the spring, & full house. Very good 
Singing this day. Our Tything man, M r John Gunnison began to 
act & with Spirit. 

28. The man, who by deserting his family, & by being guilty 
of the low vices, was subject of remark sometime since, is now up- 
on a Visit, living in the same family with myself. My former 
Landlady, never did admit such an intrusion & so I find to escape 
one evil, I have involved myself in another. So early a disappoint- 
ment in hopes was not foreseen. English, the Sexton, was invited 
by General Fiske to resume his old station at the head of the Pul- 
pit Stairs, but he declined, as was expected. 

[50] 29. A Portsmouth paper says, if we are not misinformed, 
5,000 dollars have been paid out of this Town in the Mass : Semi 
ann. Lottery. Great alarm respecting the counterfeit Public Se- 
curities. M r Adams returned from Newbury & lost his horse at 
Ipswich. I provided the Stage to carry him on to Boston, for which 
he is to refund me in Books. He thinks his Horse died of the In- 
fluenza. 

30. M r Dodge was with me from Danvers respecting the Minis- 
ter's pasture. I took no money, but enabled him to settle with the 
heirs of Silvester Proctor by a receipt. I have left my two Dollars 
for 1788 in his hands towards the benefit of the pasture. He says 
that 15/ is due to M r Diman till that time. I have told him to de- 
tain the money in Rev d Holt's hands, till I have satisfaction, not 
having been informed till by accident last year of the existence of 
such a Pasture. Found Bartlet at the new fort removing Loads of 
the wood of the old Wharf upon Winter Island, about 100 yards 
round the point, & within the wharf built by Derby. This old 
wharf was approached on the land over a Ledge of Rocks which 
reached to the Flats, & gave a security to the upper part. The old 
Ship yard was within this Wharf. Hereafter traces of this string 
of Wharf may not be found. 

31. Fast Day. Contribution 30 dollars. Violet Grant, an 
American, was a fine negro Girl, who under the idea of liberty, & 
with a poor husband, became licentious. She was advertised in 



1791] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 241 

print, & died of the lues venerea in its most unhappy stages. She 
was delivered in this condition. Buried this day from the Charity 
House. 

[51] April 1. Friday. Set out for Andover by the way of Tops- 
held & Boxford. This road is judged the best for a Carriage, tho' 
the distance be three miles greater in this road, than through Mid- 
dleton. At Topsfield we passed the Meeting house on our left. 
The Meeting House on our right would have carried us through 
the old Parish, Kevd. Holyoke's, to Andover in less distance but 
worse road. We kept the left hand road, as the most direct, pass- 
ing several Pond's, Pritchards on the right 2 miles, Wood's on the 
left 5 miles, &c. The roads which go out on the right turn off 
much. At 6 miles distance we leave the right hand path & take 
left at an Oak tree in the road, the right leading to Haverhill. 
We keep the left 6 miles to Andover in the most direct path. Four 
miles from Andover we see the north Parish Meeting House of 
Boxford on our right, at 1-2 mile's distance. Here is a Farm, & 
Dwelling House in good order, possessed by Gideon Tyler. We 
come out 1-2 mile below Andover north Meeting House. As our 
visit was intended for D r Kitteridge, whom my companion Capt. 
Becket intended to consult, we passed by the D™ House, & went 
to the Public House 1-4 mile below formerly kept by Craig, since 
by Adams, & now by Bimsley Stevens, lately Goal Keeper, & Dep- 
uty Sheriff in Salem. He was a native of Andover. The road was 
remarkably good for the season of the year. There are several 
Saw Mills on the road. At two we stopped, to which roads lead 
on the left, going to Andover, at 1-8 mile distance. The Buildings 
are decent, the land not the best. [52] In the afternoon we visited 
Fry's Hill, nearly south of the Meeting House in north Andover, 
above a mile in the road. The Hill is very high, & steep towards 
the road. Quite round for its height, & its greatest length N. & S. 
It overtops the adjacent country. It being a fair day we had an 
extensive prospect. Milton hills lay from us in the line of a hill 2 
miles off, & were hidden. On every other quarter the eye might 
range without obstruction. N. W. bore the Wachuset of Princeton, 
distant 60 miles in the road, & N. of it the Great Menadnock near 
Dublin in N. Hampshire. On the N. we saw Adrimeticus in the 
province of Maine, & on the E. Pidgeon Hill, Cape ann & the Ocean 
from which we were distant above 30 miles. In the valley we saw 
on the north the Merimack distant at the nearest point 3 miles, & 
the Shawshin which empties into it about 1 mile & 1-2 below the 
N. Meeting House of Andover. Methuen meeting house & houses 
were seen from the Public House, & from the Hill, & lays on the 
other side of the river Merimack. N. Parish of Haverhill appeared 
in full view joined to Methuen, & above the Houses of Dracut. 
The Academy on the S. W. appeared at 2 miles distance, & in the 
vale below the S. Meeting House finished with a Tower. On S. E. 



242 DIARY OF [1791 

we saw Topsfield Meeting House & Spire, & the Road, through 
which we had passed. We were kindly received at M r Fry's by 
his wife, who was a Mackey of Salem. After Tea we went down 
to the River, just below the entrance of the Shawshin into the Mer- 
rimack. The River Shawshin flows through Tewksbury into An- 
dover, & enters above a mile below the N. Meeting House of 
Andover into the Merrimack, opposite to Methuen. The river is 
40 rods [53] wide & where it is entered by the Shawshin; there is 
a ford of gravel which is passed in the summer season without 
hazard, tho' the water below be of great depth. On the opposite 
side of the Merrimack, but a little above, enters another small river 
of considerable course from N. Hampshire. The Hon : Judge 
Phillips, Rev d Sy names & D r Kitteridge visited us upon our return. 
Our Landlord attended us with his perspective glass in our excur- 
sions. We visited the Training field on the N. of the Doctor's 
House. 

2. From the Doctor's at 9 we set out for home. The Stones from 
Andover have a uniform appearance till we reach Topsfield, es- 
pecially those used in the walls of the enclosures, being of the ap- 
pearance of iron mould & as if lately dug from the earth, which 
upon the first sight of them we imagined. Going & coming we made 
our Stages at Baker's, Topsfield. I visited M" Porter, a sensible 
woman, formerly an Allen. I saw my old classmate Wilds upon the 
road, & a M r Gould, M. A. We reached Salem at Dinner. At Tops- 
field Hill may be seen the Spires of Marblehead. We saw men on 
their Rafts passing down Merrimack River. We observed the 
shifting banks, loosing on Methuen side, & gaining below on Andov- 
er side. We were informed that there were now at the Andover 
Academy 66 youth, & in last summer 73. That board is at Judge 
Phillip's 9 9 /, Rev d French's 8 8 /, Esq r Abbots 776 d , and Tuition not 
exceeding l 8 / p r week. We observed the jealousy of the Parishes. 
The north Parish complain that their own Grammar School is 
neglected. [54] The Parson observes that Academies are too numer- 
ous, that their model is not purely republican, & that an antient 
institution was best for general knowledge, that there should be 
provision for a Grammar School in every Town. The G. Father of 
the present M r Bernard of Salem, was Minister in N. Andover. 
His Uncle at Haverhill, his father at Newbury & afterwards at Salem. 
M r Phillips was Minister of S. Andover. 

[Apr.] 3. Sunday. This morning the air was remarkably clear & 
the wind in the N. We had a most distinct view of an Annular 
eclipse of the Sun. It continued above two minutes compleat. It 
was very generally observed, & was unusually plain, as was said by 
common observers. Notes. Primus Grant, Negro, death of his Wife. 

4. In last Saturday's Gazette appeared the vindication of Rev d 
Parsons of Lynn, against a malicious publication of the result of 
Council. It had several insertions, & was very badly printed, Forma 



1791] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 243 

for Fama &c, & no regard paid to the punctuation. It was signed 
by the whole Committee of the Parish, chosen to attend the Coun- 
cil. Not without success. About 6 weeks ago we had an exertion 
of the spirit of Militia. For some disorderly conduct at the review 
in Newbury Port in leaving the parade, a Court martial was held & 
the Officers disgraced. Some attempts were made in the Gazette 
to ridicule the proceedings but the Printer retracted, & published 
the spirited proceedings, with applause. The militia is not on a 
respectable footing at present. [55] M r Robert Hooper aet. 62, at 
the coiner of Ferry Lane, told me that the wind mill, formerly 
standing on that point was brought from Boston in 1733. It stood 
on Cop's Hill in the north part of that Town, & was struck with 
Lightning. M r Clough the father of the present generation came 
with it, who was by trade a mason, & afterwards a Sexton in the 
East Meeting House. M r Hooper attended it in. person, for some- 
time. 

Certificate given to Lydia Maley. 

This may certify that our Sister, Lydia Maley is a member 
in full communion with our Church the East Congregational Church 
in Salem, & we recommend her to all our sister Churches. 

signed by the Wardens & Pastor. 

A meeting sometime since to form an association among the ad- 
herents to Hopkins, at Woodend in Reading. It is said to be intend- 
ed upon the Connecticut Plan. In the consultation were present 
M r Spring, Hopkins, Cleaveland, Father & Son, Parish, Judson, 
Aiken, & Sanburne. These enthusiasts wish new Plans to render 
themselves important. Report that the noisy Bell of Amesbury has 
dispossessed Shuttlesworth's friends of the meeting house in Wind- 
sor, N. S. Catachised the young daughters of the Flock above 30 
in number. Remarked that when Master Nuttings who died above 
a year ago, took his degree in 1712, Consolation Star was living who 
took his degree in 1647. Thus in the life of two men the Cata- 
logue shews us the History of Colleges continued till our own times. 

[56] 5. The day appointed in this Town for the great India Sales. 
Last evening the cry of fire for the first time in the year, but no 
damage done. Among the papers offered to the public by the Sec- 
retary on the subject of the Cod Fishery, are the following : No. 1. 
An historical view of the Cod Fisheries of France, Eng. & the 
United States. No. 2. State of Cod fishery of Massachusetts from 
1765 to 1790. [Tables of both appearing in the original manuscript 
are here omitted.] 

[58] Sent by Capt J° Loring to Gibraltar, the Worcester & Salem 
Gazettes for the current year, till this day. A Committee from the 
Marine Society waited upon me this morning, & requested a copy of 
my Sermon on the death of Capt Gardiner for the press. At Gen- 
eral Fiske's had the Company of the Governor & his Lady, who 
went for Marblehead after dinner She is a very agreable Lady. 



214 DIARY OF [1791 

Attended the Catachism of the Boys & had above 60, but not so well 
clad, or instructed as the Girls. The above committee on Capt Jon a 
Gardner's funeral Sermon, being Jon a Mason sen r & General Fiske, 
waited upon the Printer & for 20 dollars contracted for 300 copies 
to be stitched in blue. I have asked of the Printer one hundred 
besides. The Printer being young, has no other than small Gazette 
types, the work must have no benefit from the execution of the 
prinitng. His Excellency shew me his buttons of wrought silver, 
& the metal found within the United States. They were given by 
Dickerson the Farmer. The device is the Shepherd shearing his 
sheep, with a motto in latin, purporting, that he profited more by 
his life than his death. 

[59] 6. Last night after one o'clock a young man, named John 
Pynchon, forcibly entered the House of Capt B. West in our neigh- 
borhood, & ran into the upper loft. The family alarmed by the noise, 
arose & followed him, & found in an excessive fright imagining that 
he was pursued by soldiers. He had been in the water, &c. This 
unfortunate youth, is a descendant from the antient & original Set- 
tler of N. England, M r Pynchon. His father from Springfield was 
a Lawyer of Salem, a Gentleman of accomplished manners, but at- 
tached to the unpopular interest of G. Britain. This only son* 
was educated with great delicacy, his mother was a Sewall. He 
was offered to the University, while I was in office. Excessive in- 
dulgence at last allured him to remove before he could receive a de- 
gree, & for several years he was without any employment. His 
agreable manners recommended him to gay company, & bad exam- 
ples after the decease of his father, led him to intemperance. His 
father endeavoured to introduce him to the practice of the Law, & 
he became a sworn attorney. The character of a dissolute youth 
prevented his successful practice in Salem, & tho' raised to be Ad- 
jutant of the Regiment, his friends could not overrule the public 
prejudice. He retired to Vermont, but soon expended his interest, 
& gained no employ, & he is now among his friends, reaping the 
fruits of an idle, intemperate, & dissolute life. He is at present in 
the condition of a delirious man, & purely by his vices. There has 
occurred a similar instance about the same time in a family, whose 
circumstances are not very different. M r Goodale, since removed 
to Boston, [60] a Gentleman of liberal education, & pleasing man- 
ners, by a like indulgence to an amiable youth, & by educating him 
to great hopes, & gratifying foolish extravagancies, led his oldest 
son to an indolent & vitious life. His health has been a plea for 
many liberties, & at last in a reduced fortune, he had been obliged 
to send the son away to the Carolinas, after having been the occa- 
sion of most distressing anxieties, & most severe public censures. 
Most affecting examples of the danger of indolence, & the want of 
resolution in the Parents. 

*Dr. Bentley is in error. There was an older brother, William, born in 1759. 



1791] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 245 

This evening we met at Buffingtons's, the Ship, to sign the By- 
Laws of the Masonic Institution. Few present with us. Curious 
facts. Two Brothers about 8 years ago, by the name of Knowlton, 
came from Ipswich to work at their trade in Salem. They were by 
trade, Cabinet makers, & very good workmen. They did not punct- 
ually fulfil their contracts, & this was well known, but they always 
had as much work as they could perform. They both married Sis- 
ters in Law, who were worthy women. The oldest lost his wife in 
childbed, & then addressed a wealthy widow with children. All the 
solicitations of her friends could not prevent her engagement to him, 
but he died of a consumption in extreme poverty. [61] The other 
had children, & soon after the death of the Brother his wife died of 
a consumption most miserably provided for, while a woman of ill 
fame in the house was with child by him. After his wife's death, 
being wretchedly involved in debt, he went away, & left his family 
of children without a single precaution in their behalf. The G. Par- 
ents came from Ipswich & took the children, & the Father was 
heard to say, that it was an easy way to rid himself of the trouble. 
After loosing every thing he returned, & was published to the wom- 
an, who had charged her pregnancy upon him, but not married. In 
the last fall he took two of his children into his keeping again. 
Through a severe winter he confined them in a Shop Chamber, with- 
out fire or chimney, without cloathes or animal food, & in a place 
without windows, & with open cracks in every direction. This day 
complaint was made to the Overseers of the poor, who have visited 
this abode of wretchedness, & seen the children, who have not had 
liberty to speak to any person or be heard through five severe 
months, wrapped in shavings as their only defence against the 
severe weather. Such examples shew how easy it is by a vitious 
life to debase the social nature of man, & how far the neglect of 
truth will lead to the neglect of virtue. The Father has acquired 
the rash temper of a savage, & that suspicious look which indi- 
cates his apprehensions from every man he can meet. The man 
has had a very good education so far as instruction goes. The ex- 
ample cannot be so easily defended. 

[62] Abstract of the Produce of the Fisheries exported from the 
United States from about August 20, 1789, to September 30, 1790 
[appearing in the original manuscript is here omitted.] 

7. Snow which ended in Rain. The sale of India goods closed 
this day at noon. The strangers retired after the first day com- 
plaining that they did not expect to purchase at retail, upon account 
of the Small Lots. The second day had few wealthy purchasers. 
The third day was of sales upon the wharf, raisins, Teas, &c. The 
Sales of Tea were few. About 12 chests of Bohea. The fruit sold 
at a moderate advance. The usual artifice was employed of a Bid- 
der for the owner which must leave much of the goods unsold. 
From the care to spread the advertisements, it was expected that a 



246 DIAEY OF [1791 

great concourse of people, &c. Few rich merchants appeared, & 
many of the articles were not valuable from the ignorance of them, 
among purchasers. M r Derby senior, was confined at home by a 
leg wounded from a fall. 

[65] 8. Saw some specimens of Paper made at the several 
mills in the lower parts of this State. The mills in Suffolk at Mil- 
ton are the most antient, but they have fallen into the common 
error of our Manufactories, to get a good name, & not to labour to 
keep it, turning off their articles. The Watertown Mills in Mid- 
dlesex send out the best writing paper, most free from spots, of 
purest white, & most equal. The Essex Mills in Andover have 
already become negligent of their common writing paper, tho' they 
are said to produce good printing paper. There are other mills in 
the interior Counties. Went over to Beverley in the afternoon, & 
walked to the water side from the lane entering near the upper 
well on the right. 

9. Walked this morning before breakfast to wait upon Rev d 
Holt,* who had called upon me for an exchange. Returned by 
Northfields, keeping the road from M r Holts by the Mills, over the 
dam, then taking a course of 1-2 of a mile to the left, at right angles 
with the road, which brings into another road, leading into the public 
road at Orne's Farm, passing the road to Fry's Mills on the right. 
As the ground between the roads is used for plowing as well as 
pasturing, there is no distinct foot path, people passing above or 
below as the season admits. At Beverly was introduced at Capt 
Gyles' to a dying servant, who by being exposed in severe weather 
by his intemperance, froze & lost both his feet. I asked him, 
whether he supposed that he was dying. He answered, yes. Does 
your past [66] life cause you no pain upon reflection ? No. Do 
you expect a future life ? Yes. Do you think it will be happy ? 
Not immediately so. So imperceptibly do current opinions that 
future punishments will be merciful, slide into common minds, 
&c. Dined with Rev. Holt, Bernard, & Prince at Gen. Fiske's. 
The Subject of Lynn Council was considered with some severity, & 
the member present condemned the publication in behalf of the 
Committee as a false representation, while the little mind of a 
younger man, pretended that it deserved contempt. 

April 10. Sunday. Exchanged with M r Holt. Notes. Alice 
Orne, Safe delivery, & for Husband at Sea. Mercy White, contin : 
of prayers for her sick. A M r Needham aged 83 dined with us. 
He was three years of age, when the Meeting House in the lower 
Parish was built. They have had only two Ministers. M r Pres- 
cott was first, who afterwards asked a dismission, & died about 
twenty years ago. M r Holt has been settled above 30 years. M rs 
Holt entertained us with the antient respect paid to the Clergy in 
her own remembrance. That at Andover when her Uncle Philips 

♦Rev. Nathan Holt, of the Middle Precinct, now the town of Peabody. 



1791] KEV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 247 

visited, the children never dared to rise from their seats in his pres- 
ence, but sat without work if he found them in that condition. 
She regrets the change that the ministers now are treated just as 
other men, & make as many bad debts as their neighbours. 

[67] 11. Information rather favorable from Lynn. The fact is 
that some men had rather ruin the Parson, than not verify their 
predictions. Such may be Clergymen. M r Winthrop, my old 
friend, is upon the bench in the inferior Court in Middlesex. I 
congratulated the Governor on the election. M r Dana, was put up 
as a Competitor with Gov. Hancock this year in Boston, by a small 
number. The town of Salem acquiesced in the present state of that 
Office. 

12. It appears that the Town have voted to enlarge the Charity 
House on the Common, & to exert themselves to prevent all Street 
Beggars. Names for the Streets are proposed as a Subject for Con- 
sideration. [68] Application made to me by a M r8 Perkins in be- 
half of a child of 14 years, born blind. It is a case within reach of 
a remedy in the opinion of D r Holyoke. The intended Physician, 
is a Physician from France, settled at Norton in the County of 
Bristol, about 30 miles from Boston. D r H. referred to a case in 
Cheselden as in his judgment similar. Passing by the wharf at 
the bottom of Washington Street, I found Joshua Ward the Pro- 
prietor, placing great Rocks in the dock, to raise a barrier to ob- 
struct the mud carried into the river from the sluices which empty 
at that place. Put yesterday M r Frank's Boy to the Town School. 
He has been two years at Madam Babbidge's, at my expence. His 
father is an honest Corsican, reduced by the delirium of his wife, 
to labour on the wharves for a livelihood. It is observed that the 
neglect of public worship is generally preceeded by some acts of 
intemperance in the people who labour. They have in this way 
one day to themselves indulged in indolence at home, & they spend 
it in their favorite vice. After they have been in several acts ex- 
posed, they then indulge in sauntering upon the wharves. Mari- 
ners are not included in this discription but Tradesmen are. And 
it is from the same cause that Manufacturers in England perhaps 
neglect public worship, as their propensities are very well known. 

[69] 13. An Historical View of the Whale Fishery of Holland, 
England, & the United States [appearing in the original manu- 
script is here omitted.] 

[70] 14. M r Rhodes waited upon me from Lynn respecting a 
Reply of Carnes & his party. It is too mean to deserve an answer, 
but a mere sketch in questions was offered, which it is to be hoped 
they will not print. By him I learn that at the last parish meeting 
Carnes' party by a majority of 6 persons obtained the election of 
the Parish Officers, the others retired. By a Clergyman of the 
Council from Marblehead, I find the Clergy united to discredit 
every attempt to raise Parsons. The large house, formerly belong- 



248 DIARY OF [1791 

ing to M r English, who was taken from it in 1692, under pretence 
of Witchcraft, was built as says his G-. daughter in 1690. It was 
the largest in Town, & he was a merchant having 24 sail of vessels. 
He was carried to the Jail, which was nearly opposite to the old, or 
first Meeting House, rather eastward. The House, built by Welch, 
on Symond's Lane in the great Street opposite Esq r .Manning's, & 
in debate for several years between Andrews & Dalton, after sever- 
al strippings, was pulled down last night, to the joy of the neigh- 
bourhood. 

15. Went over the well known house of English near the neck 
gate. The Cellars are compleatly finished. The Stone wall is 
built of as large stones as are now in use which contradicts the 
opinion that they generally built of small stones of choice, at that 
age. There is an hearth, very large oven, & all conveniences. 
The Rooms are the largest in Town. The floors are laid in plank, 
& [71] are sound at this day, the sweep at the hearth where they 
are worn down having a curious appearance. The upper part of 
the house among the Peeks have curious partitions and very much 
Room. Even the Cellars are plastered.* The head of the Ship, 
Grand Turk, to be launched next month, was set this afternoon by 
M r Robertson, of Boston. 

16. The last day of drawing the Lottery, & the highest prize 
yet in. The balance against this Town will probably be great. A 
Question whether intemperance more common now, than formerly. 
Facts are that rude insults to sign-posts, poles, & houses are con- 
fessed to be less frequent. But it is replied that the absence from 
Public worship gives an opportunity of practicing more securely, 
& the many purchases of Rum on Sunday attest the fact. Besides 
the labourers are more addicted to daily excess, tho' not to riots as 
before. The Question of a Market now under consideration. The 
present object is a Subscription. A proposal to put it behind the 
houses in the paved street, upon Land of Barton, to have an en- 
trance by Washington Street, by Neal's House &c. It is opposed 
but not with much ill humour. The award in the affair of Nichols 
& Derby, is 50£ in favour of the former, who was a master for 
Derby in a late India voyage. The jealousy & envy which pre- 
vails among merchants, especially in this Town, is fully equal to 
that supposed to exist among literary men, & the misrepresenta- 
tions are as frequent. 

[72] [Apr.] 17. Sunday. Notes. Benj a Cloutman & Wife, death 
of her mother. Eliz : Mason, safe delivery, Husband at Sea. Isaac 
White & Wife, her safe delivery, Brethren at Sea. With us Judge 
Cooper from St. Crux, a Danish Island in the West Indies. He 
has had a paralytic stroke, & is with us for his health. 

18. Last Saturday died very suddenly Madam Mansfield a very aged 

♦Corner of Essex and English streets. It was taken down before 1840 and was then 
known as the " forty peaked house." 



1791] REV. WILLIAM BENTLET 249 

matron, who for many years has been a School Mistress. She was 
sick through the whole last year, but seemed recruited. She eat 
her dinner with her usual chearf ulness, & died instantly in her chair 
at the table. Repairs begun upon the fence of the House, in which 
I live. 

19. James Winthrop Esq 1 ' appointed Mathematician, to survey 
the ground for Sandwich Canal, so called. 

[73] 20. The Province of Maine are again instigated to endeavour 
for a Seperation from the Massachusetts. Their reasons as set 
forth by a Committee of their Members while at Court in Boston 
are, as published in a Hand Bill, 

1. Congress has so far assumed the State Debts, that they have 
nothing to fear from objections on that account. 

2. Congress has actually seperated them into a district. 

3. New Hampshire intervenes between them & Massachusetts. 

4. The Specie Taxes bear hard upon their situation. 

5. The distance of the Clerk's Office at Boston. 

6. The distance of Travel to Court. 

7. Their numbers, nearly double to Bhode Island, or Delaware, 
equal in whites to Georgia, more than in Vermont, & nearly equal 
to New Hampshire. 

8. Population would be rapid, could poles & estates be exempt 
from taxes a number of years. 

' 9. This a proper time on account of the revision of Massachusetts 
Constitution in 1795, by which time they might get into operation. 
A Petition proposed by inserting in the warrants of each Town, 
this article, & thereby empowering the Representatives of the Dis- 
trict, to apply to the General Court. This paper is conveyed to the 
public in a Letter from John Gardner, Rep. of Pownalborough, to 
Daniel Davis, Rep. of Portland. This John Gardner has been very 
active in all disputes which have engaged our Legislature. 

[74] 21. Past 8 A. M. set out for Newbury. At Beverley saw 
Rev d Oliver who told me Lee the Methodist was preaching in his 
parish with some disaffected persons. This parson is much preju- 
diced against the Arminians, not much informed. At Wenham, 
Rev d Swain assured me that M r P. of Lynn had taken freedoms 
with women in Beverley, while an occasional preacher & that some 
charges were probably just, so far as to tarrying late, kissing, &c. 
At Ipswich, Rev d Cutler was moving a Barn he had purchased, 
nearer to his Mansion House. The Parish turned out with their 
Teams on the occasion. I visited Mr. Frisbie, a pious & useful min- 
ister & dined at Treadwell's. Reached Newbury at three o'clock, 
& drank tea with M rs Maley, formerly a Mason. Hon. M r Jackson 
shewed me his elegant mansion House. It is situate in the upper 
Street above the Church towards Amsbury ferry. It has a 
spacious lawn behind it with a gradual descent, & is near the house 
of John Tracey. The banks slope from the House. The front door 



250 DIARY OF [1791 

opens into the hall, & the flight of stairs is on the south side. 
The division between the chambers, is formed into a convenient 
apartment of the whole length of the building for favorite amuse- 
ments of dancing, &c. On the north side is a wing which has a 
granary, chambers communicating with the nursery, &c. On the 
other side a piazza was intended but not built. The Cellars are in 
excellent order for all domestic uses, such as cooking, brewing, 
washing. There is a bathing room under the apartments of the 
nursery, &c. He intends to return to it next week. Doors without 
number, [75] and conveniences beyond account present to view & 
we find it one of the best finished houses of wood in the Country. 
In the evening visited Rev d Murray,* who has several students in 
Divinity in his House. Langdon on the Revelation of John, was 
our Theological Subject. M r Murray is engaged in correcting the 
press for D r Huntington of Connecticut, upon the subject of the 
atonement. M r Murray has lately published his discourses on 
Original sin, which with those on the Origin of Evil & on Justifi 
cation, make a large volume. His health is impaired by the immod- 
erate length of his pulpit addresses. I lodged with Capt Noyes. 

22. I visited Rev d Cary,f & had familiar conversation on the un- 
happy disunion among the Clergy of the Town. They utterly re- 
fuse each other civilities, at least a M r Spring will not support a 
pall, or attend a funeral at which M r Murray joins or officiates. 
With M r J. Tracey, I went to Church it being Good Friday. D r 
Bass, the Parson, & intended Bishop officiated. His countenance is 
pleasing, his reading good & his Sermon full of instruction. He is 
pleased with the wit of Charles the 2 d , & has the variety, but not 
ill nature of South. He entertained us with the character of Judas 
Iscariot. He observed all his faults with satyre, but of the price 
of his villany he observed, that it proved him a mean fellow, for as 
they would bid high for his friend, he ought to have made them pay 
dear for him at least, & not sell him in an hurry for 30 shillings, 
at a price below a horse, or even a dog. I dined with M r * Maley, & 
spent an hour with my Classmate [76] Kilham.J This Gentleman, 
possessed with good abilities, with a disposition not apt to conform 
to the world, & a zealous ante-federalist, is declining in his business 
under his own favorite passion. He informed me that our Classmate 
Rholf had preached, after a humble retirement, & study of 15 years. 
We had not his performances from Judges, his popularity is greater 
in his prayers, than in his Sermons. He is gone to Preach at Cam- 
bridge. At M r Mycall's the printer, I find orthodox publications 
multiply. Besides the works of M r Murray, & D r Huntington above 
mentioned, M r Murray is printing a sermon on the death of Blind 

*Rev. John Murray, the Presbyterian, popularly called "Damnation" Murray to distin- 
guish him from ''Salvation" Murray, his Universalist contemporary. 

tRev.Thomas Cary, pastor of the First Church at Newburyport. 

|Or. Daniel Kilham, born at Wenham, studied medicine with Dr. Holyoke of Salem, 
and became an apothecary at Newburyport. 



1791] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 251 

Prince a Clergyman who died at Newbury, & is buried in the vault 
with Whitefield. His most remarkable trait is blindness. But 
while our best sermons commonly rise no higher than 400 at an im- 
pression, I am assured 1500 are engaged. A M r Lyon of Machias, 
at the extreme part of Maine & a composer in Music, has published 
the first number of his daily meditations, including one month. It 
has M r Murray's recommendation. A M r Bradford of Rowley has 
also a Sermon in the press upon total depravity. These events of 
the winter may enable us to judge the state of religious opinions at 
least in this part of the County. M r Mycall proposed to reprint my 
Sermon delivered at Boston, from this circumstance that it was 
preached first in Newbury Port, & was deemed not to be Gospel. 

[77] 23. At 8 o'clock set out for Salem, & arrived at 12. In my 
absence I find property has again been attached by M r Diman's heirs, 
& we may now hope for an issue to this troublesome & disgraceful 
business. Expences. At y e Bridges, 2/6. At Treadwell's, 2/8. 
House Keeping, 4/. Acknowledgements, 3 8 /- 10/2. The Roads 
extremely dusty, & the wind high. It may be remarked of M r 
Lyon's book, that he has secured to himself the Copyright by the 
Printer's consent. 

[Apr.] 24. Sunday. Notes. Wid : Mary Foot, death of Sister Mans- 
field, & thanks for her own recovery. G. Hodges & Wife, death of 
their Son, & brother at Sea. Amos Lefavre & Wife for her delivery. 
Four christenings, this Sunday. Two in Church. 

25. Rev d Story of Marblehead informs me that Hopkins visited 
the Rock Meeting last Sunday week, tho' the party be only two fam- 
ilies. From Lynn I learn that Carnes has put up a notification for 
a parish meeting in a very insolent manner, to see whether any sums 
of money may be offered to M r Parsons upon condition he will ask 
a dismission from the pastoral office in that place. [78] The Epis- 
copal Society has dismissed by mutual consent Rev d Thomas Fitch 
Oliver. He is now in New York. They find their contract of 100£ 
sterl. inadequate to his support, & that they are unable to pay it, if 
sufficient. There are insinuations to his disadvantage, & after full 
payment they have forgiven his debts to the several members, & 
presented 100 dollars for his assistance in procuring a new settle- 
ment. It may sometimes admit of a question whether it is not of 
importance to a man's virtues, that he have some peculiarities in his 
ritual, & be in the minority, as he acts more steadily, perseveringly, 
& faithfully, under such circumstances. The whole body of Clergy 
& Laity incorporated among the Congregationalists, have never es- 
tablished a fund, or attempted any parade, & the greater part who 
are interested, are ignorant of the institution. This is not the fate 
in Scotland, but may not the late revolution, & the neighbourhood 
of the Church of England help them? The Church of England 
affords but one good living in the Commonwealth, & yet does more 



252 DIARY OF [1791 

than all the others without any advantages from the property, or 
literary abilities of Clergy or Laity. 

[79] 26. Letter from W. Mason* of Jan? 25. A proof of the un- 
certain conveyance of our posts. The little packet with the letter 
seperated & lost. Information my Father has lost his post as 
Surveyor in Boston. The occasion of the neglect I do not know at 
present. M r Robinson, the head builder gave me the information. 
Frequent Inditements & Convictions in the United States for For- 
geries, & Counterfeits of the Paper Public Securities. M r Mason 
informs me that they make a pleasing progress in Smith's Academy, 
Charleston, S. C. They have purchased their apparatus for exper- 
imental Philosophy, very handsome for a beginning, & success 
attends their exhibitions, &c. M r Dearborn has opened an Academy 
at Portsmouth. And M r Lane is encouraged to open a Sunday 
School in Boston. From the first it has been feared Grammar Town 
Schools would be neglected, & from the last the Instructions of all 
the week beside. It is a question whether we improve in our In- 
structions of education, at least in regard to one point, the preser- 
vation of equal liberty. Convulsions arise at Cambridge, tho' the 
government is held by some men of moderate principles. The ex- 
amination which makes part of their Regulations, came on this 
month for the first Time. An emetic was put into the breakfast & 
even a stone thrown into the room, in which the Governor & other 
officers of State & of College were convened. One was expelled, 
another rusticated, & another suspended. 

[80] 27. M r Rholf with me for an exchange at Cambridge. By 
him I learn the state of the Clergy in the Eastern Part of the Coun- 
ty. When M r Andrews was to be ordained, he applied to M r Tap- 
pan (thought of as a Professor in Divinity at Cambridge) to admin- 
ister his Communion. He consented, but afterwards wrote to Par- 
son Cary, that his own people could not be content with "dry mor- 
ality " & declined. M r Bernard remonstrated against my compli- 
ance with the request of M r Parsons to preach his Lecture on Fri- 
day next, upon the pretended advice of some competent judges, 
whose names & reasons are unknown. I advised with some of my 
own parishioners who did not form the least objection to a compli- 
ance. 

28. Bishop Carroll, has determined the controversy between M r 
Thayer & Rouselet, Catholic Priests in Boston, by investing Thayer 
with all powers to preach & teach in Boston & its vicinity. The 
Town of Newbury was settled after the Towns of Salem & Boston 
were revolting from the liberal admission of children to Baptism, & 
various forms of Communion to the principles of the Cambridge 
Synod. When Williams & Wheelwright were driven to Providence 
& New Hampshire, being on the Massachusetts line, it adhered to 
the liberal plan of indulgence. Allowed by the first settlers & the 

♦Then engaged in teaching in South Carolina. 



1791] KEV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 253 

Church in the Port, being the first in that division of the Township, 
still adheres to the old form. [81] Its principles were indulgent 
to retain settlers at the mouth of the River Merrimack, & to prevent 
their passing into New Hampshire. The greater progress of society 
in Boston & Salem has changed the scene. The latitude of religious 
freedom has made religious sects mingle freely in these Towns, 
while NewburyPort is possessed by the most bitter devotees on the 
Continent, & only the form of their Communion remains in one 
Church to notify us of their former regard to the means of rendering 
their settlement flourishing. An unequivocal proof of the effects 
of political situation upon the religious principle. One of the Cler- 
gymen in Newbury Port, from a personal aversion, would not attend 
the funeral of the father of another nor of his child, nor in his com- 
pany at the funeral of a clergyman dying upon a visit to the place, 
or the wife of another. The fate of New Hampshire & Rhode island 
has been different. They both were settled by religious prejudices, 
& persecutions, & under nearly the same political advantages. But 
Rhode island & Providence plantations being friendly to a sect, 
could not recover the force of a religious establishment, & hence have 
preserved an example of the most free toleration in the United 
States. New Hampshire, tho' averse from the discipline of Massachu- 
setts, had no characteristic sects & hence has fallen into all the 
rigours which have prevailed in New England, possessing no liber- 
ality beyond their neighbours. 

[82] Puerile Sports usual in these parts of New England. To 
begin with the Calendar month of January. The youth of the 
male sex are busy on their Skates. They commonly learn upon their 
Trunks, which are pieces of wood, of the length of the foot, turn- 
ing up at the heel & about one inch square, holes made at the heel, 
& bridle with the same straps as the Skate, & is properly the 
wooden Skate. The Skate is of three kinds, the common Skate, 
which is a plain iron without ornament. The Holland Skate, which 
swells upon its centre, & descends into parallel lines on the surface 
with the edge of the Skate, & is nearly a right line, & the Curve 
Skate, which in an erect posture is in contact with the ice only at 
the heel. The straps are fixed differently, but commonly two 
Straps one at the heel, & the other at the head are drawn through 
the wood, & secured so that the ends on each side hang out 2 inches, 
& through these the lines pass at discretion. The trunks are going 
out of use, as the Skate becomes more cheap. The wood is shaped 
much like the violin, only smaller in proportion at the head, & the 
female screws which fasten the heel of the iron to the wood, plays 
on top, with points to fix the heel of the Shoes. The Sled, suffi- 
cient for one or two Boys is supplied with skates on each side of 
the whole length. When these are not to be had, iron hoops are 
used, worn bright, & nailed on. The single sleds are used to 
descend upon the snow & ice by laying upon the Sled, & guiding it 



254 DIARY OF [1791 

by the feet behind. [83] The double Sleds are guided by the 
person who sets before. After pottering time is over, which is run- 
ning upon the broken ice without falling into the water & requires 
great activity, comes on Marble time. These are imported from 
Europe, are perfectly round, & commonly of a clay colour. The 
other colours, especially black & white are called men, & are of 
double value, the spotted are called gay does. In April the Top 
comes into play, commonly in ring Top. They are smaller than 
these imported, being higher, but not of so great diameter. They 
are a perfect cone on the lower part & are covered with a spiral 
groove for the cord. The core, or iron inserted in the bottom upon 
which the top moves is often half an inch in length. Then comes 
the Shuttlecock & lasts through May. The action required in this 
diversion is continued but easy, & the females in proper apart- 
ments enjoy it as well as the males. Afterwards the Bat & Ball 
and the Game at Rickets. The Ball is made of rags covered with 
leather in quarters & covered with double twine, sewed in Knots 
over the whole. The Bat is from 2 to 3 feet long, round on the 
back side but flatted considerably on the face, & round at the end, 
for a better stroke. The Ricket is played double, & is full of vio- 
lent exercise of running. In the autumn comes the Kite, of all 
sizes, which is round at top. At one third of the length it descends 
for the 2/3 d8 in right lines to a point. The Cords which fasten it 
to the line are fixed at the wings which are commonly ornamented, 
& the whole is balanced by a Tail, or string, with rows of rags or 
paper at proper distances. [84] Before winter comes on the Foot 
Ball, which is differently pursued in different places. In Marble- 
head, even heads of families engage in it, & all the fishermen while 
at home in this season. The bruising of shins has rendered it 
rather disgraceful to those of better education, who use a hand ball, 
thrown up against an house or fence instead of the Foot Ball, 
which is unfriendly to clothes, as well as safety. Such is the usual 
succession of puerile diversions. They do not last for the same 
exact periods. The Snow & ice determine the use of Skates & 
Sleds. The contractions in the postures of playing at marbles ren- 
ders this uncomfortable in hot & dusty seasons. The Top has no 
convenience in very dry weather. The exercise of the Shuttlecock 
comes on, while the bathing time lasts. The Bat & Ball as the 
weather begins to be cool, & the Kite in the fine weather of our au- 
tumn afternoons before sundown, & while time enough remains after 
school exercises. Bathing is as little used as in any part of the 
world perhaps. Tke children after May are tolerated by their 
parents by the old rule of once a day. But it is rare to see any 
person in the morning, or in the waters which flow immediately 
from the Sea. They enter at the nearest place however great its 
inconveniences. The children follow their wishes, & bathe at high 
noon, & the men bathe in the evening. The women are very pri- 



1791] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 255 

vate, & late at night if they ever venture, & house baths are very 
few indeed. A few years ago such things were only in the Phy- 
sician's hands. Little things lead to great, & frequently produce 
them. 

[85 J 29. According to agreement with Rev d Parsons, I went 
for Lynn to preach his Lecture. Upon my arrival I found no lec- 
ture appointed, tho' several persons had been invited to preach. I 
told my intentions & a lecture was notified & a few of the neigh- 
bours attended. The Methodist has the majority, has brought 
them to sign his papers, & enter his classes for three months. 
There is to be a meeting next Monday to propose 110£ as a gift to 
M r Parsons, provided he will quit, if not, to recover their full part 
of the Parish Property, & truely to take such steps as will force 
him away. I wish to have no more to do in the matter. 

30. To the puerile sports may be added the Bow & Arrow. 
This is confined in the Spring & Fall to children from 7 to 10 
years of age. They are commonly made from a small hoop, & the 
arrows of a pine shingle. They are never made for sale & only the 
work of small children. The spring bow is sometimes seen, but 
never in general use. I was the intended object of a paper from 
Carnes of Lynn, suppressed by his Sons, in which he says he 
discribed me as a young buck of a Clergyman, not remarkable for 
his orthodoxy. The Buckism, I am told would not have been 
known. M r Bernard has written a letter in which among other 
things he tells M r Parsons, the honor of religion will not let 
him appear at his lecture. They are of the same Association, & 
both of regular standing ! ! ! 

[86] May 1, Sunday. A very pleasant Sunday, & season 
healthful. The Children christened this day were begotten by sev- 
eral Fathers, but born of one mother, whose continence is sur- 
prising, excepting in this single respect. She is exemplary for her 
neatness, prudence, & love of her children. She is a proof that 
there may be a constitutional error, & that this propensity may not 
involve the low Vices. A woman found dead this day, of ill char- 
acter, & with all the reports usual upon such sudden events. Her 
name was Cordwell. The parties married this evening were not in 
the most respectable condition, but were entire strangers to me. 

2. The overseers examined a woman named Indian Bet, for sup- 
plying with N. E. Rum, the unhappy woman who died yesterday 
of intemperance. They also ordered into confinement the infamous 
family named Burke's, alias White's, alias Masury. The G. G. 
Mother, G. Mother, Mother & children, who long near the Neckgate 
have been infamous for all the vices. The noted Burroughs, who 
has been employed in a School at Charleston, since his liberation 
from the castle for forgery, has received sentence for insults to his 
female pupils, to set one hour upon the gallows, stand two in the 
pillory, & receive 90 stripes, &c. Judge Dana in his charge, severe- 



256 DIARY OF [1791 

ly repremanded the Town for employing licentious, or infamous 
characters in such important duties of education. 

[87] 3. We had a Launching in the new method. A Brig of 
considerable burden was launched sideways from M r Derby's wharf, 
by M r Enos Briggs. The immovable ways were placed in parrallel 
lines, in three parts, at the middle, stern & head of the vessel. The 
ribbands on the middle, when perhaps the ends might have been 
better. Instead of the Cradle, on each ways, were planks upon 
which were shores to each side of the Vessel. The ways went sev- 
eral feet over the wharf. The vessel moved upon these & fell upon 
her side nearly into the water, & then righted immediately. Her 
stern moved first, then her head, but the motion of the head ex- 
ceeded. It was too soon over for show & the Vessel did not move 
her length. The concourse was very great, & the people very 
patient. It is said to have been the first launched by M r Briggs in 
this manner. [88] An Anecdote. That the late Thorndike Proc- 
tor, who was guilty of suicide, was a descendant of the fourth gen- 
eration from a Proctor who suffered in the times of persecution for 
Witchcraft, & that his Wife was a descendant of the same genera- 
tion from Major Hathorne, who was the active prosecutor. This 
evening the Brethren of the Lodge had their last consultation be- 
fore the application to the G. Lodge, at My Chamber. A Com- 
mittee was appointed of J. King, Jenks & Hodges, to enquire for, 
& assign a place for our next meeting. 

4. Continued difficulty from the execution, levying upon the 
Parish for M r Diman's pastoral arrears. A large attachment has 
now been made, & which promises at least a different arrangement 
of affairs. It is distressing to see affairs managed without judg- 
ment & without honesty, but it is a sufficient prevention to sudden 
action, that we are circumstanced where upon the loss of one scene 
is surely to be succeeded by another. It is imprudent to prolong 
misery. It is best to strive to forget the evils of our condition. 
Anecdote of human wretchedness. The aged G. Parent of the 
Family removed this week to the work-house, sent a little gown, in 
pawn for a Jill of Rum. The Gown was a gift in charity to the g. 
daughter, while in bed with her illegitimate offspring, suffering in 
extreme poverty. The gown being examined, was found to be in- 
fested with lice, & refused in that condition. The g. child who 
carried it to the Beggar-making shop, returned [89] and reported 
the reason of the refusal. Then said the G. M. past 70 set. bring 
the scissors. Bum I will have. Cut off my hair, that will sell, 
I'll warrant. The aged locks were cut off, & procured the indul- 
gence she desired. 

5. There is a meeting appointed next Saturday among the people 
of the Parish to deliberate upon the affairs of M r Diman's arrears. 

6. The Sermon upon the death of Capt. Gardiner comes this day 
from the press, & the next page is reserved for a record of the per- 



1791] 



REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 



257 



sons, to whom copies presented, that no friend might be omitted. 
The Sermon was written on Saturday, before it was delivered. 
That is no excuse, but the cause of its errors. Some errors of gram- 
mar have escaped from the copy to the press. The Plan of the 
Sermon is imperfect. The parts do not readily flow into each other. 
The leading idea intended, that social institutions begin with pri- 
vate virtue & particular exertion, is rather to be guessed at, than 
expressed. The persons in speaking are changed unnecessarily, & 
often with obscurity especially in regard to the paragraph of per- 
sonal vices. For the head shews us that we are to consider them 
in others, not in ourselves, such as our own virtues cannot correct. 
The sermon was never copied off, which was wrong. The eye of a 
a friend never passed over it, to detect its errors; wrong. The first 
part pleases me till the division. The section on education does 
not connect itself easily, the vices are blamed as above. The other 
remarks are left to be pointed out by my enemies at their dis- 
cretion, or by impartial men. 
[90] Copies presented to 



M r Gaines. 


Hosmer. 


My Father. 


Wid: of the deceased. 


S. Chever. 


Capt J° White. 


Mother of the deceased H. Crowninshield. 


G. John Collins. 


D r Holyoke. 


C. J. Gibaut. 


Master Bogers. 


Capt B. Hodges. 


Capt Pratt. 




Col. Carleton. 


C. S. Ingersoll. 


M. Townsend. 


Capt B. Ward. 


Js. White sen. 


J. Dodge. 


Sister Andrew. 


Js. White jun. 


My Father. 4. 


Master "Watson. 


T. Dean. 


C. J. Chever. 


Kev d Bernard. 2. 


C. J. Becket. 


C. H. White. 


N. Bichardson. 


S. Bopes. 


Judge Winthrop. 


Bev J. Freeman. 2. 


W. Stivers. 


W m Winthrop Esq r 


G. B. Minot. 


D r Bass. N. P. 


S. Sewall. 


Prof. Dexter. 


D r Swett. N. P. 


T. M. Harris. 


D r Bulfinch. 


S. Babbidge. 


J° Bowditch. 


Rev* J. Clarke. 


B. Manning Esq r 


D. Bogers Esq r 


D r Lathrop. 


S. Silsbee. 


Bev* E. Forbes. 


Bev* J. Eliot. 


Capt Ashby. 


C. C. Bogers. 


Rev* 0. Everet. 


E. Robertson. 


B. Gardner. 


Rev* J. Homer, Newton A. Boardman. 


M. Lang. 


Preceptor S. Hunt. 


M r Symonds. 


I. Tucker. D. D. 


My Mother. 


W m Gray. 


M. Mary. 


Brother Thomas. 


C. E. H. Derby, j. 


T. G. Bogers. 


Brother Dawes. 


C. J. Derby, j. 


C. Soames. 


Brother Powle. 


B. Pickman. j. 


Tucker. 


Deacon Bidgway. 


J. Vincent. 


Sergeant. 


Brother John. 


F. Boardman. 


Beach. 


M r Bhust. 


W. Prescott. Esq r 


Col. Pearce. 



258 



DIARY OP 



[1791 



Rev d Cary. N. P. 
Hon. Jon* Jackson 
Daniel Kilham. 
Hon. N. Dane. 
Hon. G. Cabot. 
Capt W. Homans. 
D r Flagg, Lynn. 
Rev d Parsons. 
Col. Pickman. 
Mess" Briggs. 
Slenman. 
Archers. 

Hon. B. Goodhue. 
J. Hiller Esq r 



Major Pearson. 

Master Harkin.* 

M r Parsons. 

C. Strout. 

J. Lambert. 

J. Andrew. 

T. Edwards. 

Rev d Story. 

Rev d F. Oliver. 

M ra Bowditch. 

M rs Welman. 

M r Ballard. 

Capt Clark. 

Rev d Wadsworth, &c 

made to break open the 
The attempt was first 



Preceptor Bancroft. 
Capt Jos : Orne. 
M rs R. Porter. 
W m Browne. 
G. Crowninshield. 
W. Vans Esq r 
H. Crowninshield. 
H. Crowninshield. 
M rs Carleton. 
J. Richardson. 
Rev d W. Balch. B. 
Master Reed. 
E. Pulling Esq r 
C. J. Briggs. 

[91] 7. Last night an attempt was 
Stores of M r W. Gray, & E. H. Derby. 

made on the former without success. At the last, entry was made 
by the western door, by forcibly breaking the bolt from the lock. 
They then went up stairs, & had taken a pane of glass from the 
counting house door, — when the light they had was espied by a 
guard, placed by M r Derby, who had walked to the lower store on 
the head of the wharf. He arrived while they were at the door, & 
struck one of them cutting the band & rim of his hat, which was 
left behind. They both escaped without detection. This is an in- 
stance of a guard placed with success, as such instances are sup- 
posed to be rare. They may prevent, but it is said, seldom detect 
thieves in their villainy. Of the last Semi annual Lottery it is 
said that Boston lost 25,000 dollars, & Salem, above 3,000. The 
probability is that the thieft was intended by a Hamilton, who has 
been imprisoned at Salem, & who had appeared yesterday with 
different names, sent on a woman in a Chaise to Newell's last even- 
ing, & went from Newell's, Lynn, on this morning early. The hat 
was supposed by the persons with whom he tarried to belong to him. 

[May] 8. Sunday. Notes. Jonathan French & Wife, death of 
child. Samuel Ingersoll & Wife, death of child. Susannah Har- 
thorne, death of G. child. Mercy Burke, for herself very sick. 

[92] 9. At ten in the morning catachised the boys in number 
exceeding 40 & at four in the afternoon the girls of the same num- 
ber. They also read the scriptures. 

10. The association at Wenham. M r Parson's circumstances 
considered. The rejection of Carnes from the Service of the Town 
has a friendly aspect. It was proposed that the Members of the 
Council should in turn exchange with him, & afterwards the Asso- 
ciation. M r Mansfield formerly of Exeter, exhibited the plan of 
an Index to the Scriptures, to be printed with Thomas' new Bible. 



•Hacker? 



1791] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 259 

11. Went in company with M™ Sleuman to Newbury. Arrived 
at noon. I dined with D r Swet.* This gentleman attached him- 
self to the Presbyterian Church, the most numerous assembly in the 
Place, & has an extensive practice. He furnished me with a copy 
of a book now printing at Newbury, by D r Huntington, of Coventry 
in Connecticut, already known by his Letters, & the part he took 
in the controversy about marrying in the Lord at Stockbridge. 
This pamphlet is upon the atonement principally aimed against the 
Hopkintonians, under the name of the new divinity. There is also 
an address to young ministers in paragraphs of very unequal merit. 
I visited & tarried at Tea with D r Bass, the Episcopalian mission- 
ary, & Bishop elect. I found him full of useful information, ready 
with wit on all subjects, stored with merry tales, & very agreable. 
[93] I visited Rev d Cary, &c. In the evening was with Esq r D. 
Atkins at D r Swet's in free theological discussion, & trembling 
doubt. The Esq r gave his opinion that the Marriage statute does 
not destroy any contract before witnesses, only provides how 
Officers of the peace & ministers should officiate. Lodged at 
D r Swet's. 

12. Breakfasted at M rs Maleys & then in company we set off 
for Haverhill, 15 miles. M rs Elkins & Sleuman in one shay, & the 
Misses Maleys in another. I accompanied them in a sulkey. We 
continued up on the same side of the river 11 miles to Russel's 
ferry, 3 miles below Haverhill. This ferry is in the lower parish 
of Bradford. We observed on our right the remains of the old 
meeting house, just before we reached the place of the new one on 
our left below. This new house is not finished, but is upon a much 
more pleasing plan than the other. The Tower is covered with a 
cupola which gives no advantage to the appearance. We reached 
Haverhill, & were received with unusual politeness by the amiable 
family of M r Herod, at the Freemason's Arms, below the Meeting 
House on the Hill. We returned after Tea, & crossed the River 
from Haverhill side 7 miles below the Town at Swet's ferry. The 
river was wider in this place, & the wind high, which occasioned a 
detention. We reached Newbury at nine o'clock. The Toll of a 
Chaise at Russel's was /6, at Swet's /8. 

[94] 13. In the morning came on rain, the wind shifted into 
the east, from the southern points, & the rain continued all day. 
In the confinement I was consoled at Capt Noyes* by the agreable 
company of M r Murray, who talked about himself very acceptably, 
& furnished some pleasing anecdotes of characters he had seen. 
This gentleman is the most remarkable for the length of his service, 
of all men upon the Continent, nor can the most dangerous asthma 
ic complaints deter him. 

14. Came from Newbury Port & arrived at Salem at two P. M 

*Dr. John Barnard Swett, born in Marblehead, May 24, 1752. 



260 DIARY OP [1791 

Of my company I came home free, & my pleasant time as to the 
object of my journey, if it was heavenly, it was like Milton's heaven 
when the fallen angels had their overthrow. Expences. Essex 
Bridge, /18 d . Parker River Bridge, 1/4. Horse one night, oats, 
&c. 2/1. Horse to Haverhill from Newbury, 6/3. Ferries, 3/7, 
acknowledgements, &c. 

The woman, named Burke, alias White, alias Masury, that has 
had so many notes at the meeting, & was carried last Monday week 
into the charity house, died last Tuesday from ulcers in the Lungs. 
The public satisfaction in an event was never more clearly ex- 
pressed, from the abhorrence of her vices. This single death sep- 
erates the whole family, & may afford room for the timely reforma- 
tion of the children. 

[95] [May] 15. Sunday. Notes. Widow Marcy Masury, death of 
daughter White. W m Foy & wife, death of her Sister White, & for 
her Brother & friends at Sea. Widow Martha Hodgdon, d. of 
Sister White & for a Son & friends at Sea. Hannah Webb, for her 
delivery & for her husband & Friends at Sea. Was imposed upon 
by the Stageman yesterday, who brought home the woman, respect- 
ing whom I enquired. A mistake, she came in a chaise. I have 
every reason to regret my last visit. It has incumbered me with 
new difficulties, such as I might have foreseen & escaped. I con- 
tinue to renew my errors after most painful sufferings. The advice 
of my friends was, to avoid all invitations to go journies with female 
companions, especially such as I had no reason to expect much from 
their education. I christened seven persons, this day. Last even- 
ing died at Beverley, M r Andrew Cabot, Merchant. An active man 
in his business, but among the disappointed many, whom the close 
of the War left to regret the false hopes they had entertained. He 
has left a wife and nine children. He died of a nervous fever, & 
his wife is in childbed. Excellent singing this day. 

[96] 16. Great preparations for launching. In digging the ship's 
dock, 4 feet below the surface was found the body of a Tree of red 
oak, & sound excepting the sap. It was cut off & drawn out above 
12 feet long with a crotch in the middle & two limbs. M r Becket 
at point of rocks found irons, & bolts which discovered a building 
yard on the low part towards Cat cove. Sawdust & Chips are yet 
found under the mud from the point off Daniel's lane. Foot's for- 
merly, & afterwards Elvin's point. 

17. Last night, 38 m. past 10, was felt an earthquake. It was not 
violent, but sufficient to be generally observed. The noise preceeded 
the undulation a distinct time. The conversation engaged by the 
Ship to be launched on Thursday.* They are digging a canal to 
deepen the water. My father came to Town this evening. 

18. Employed the day in waiting upon my Father & visiting the 
Ship yard. 

*The ship "Grand Turk," owned by Eliaa Hasket Derby. 



1791] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 261 

19. An attempt was made to launch the ship, but without success. 
She did not move her length, to the great mortification of a numer- 
ous crowd of Spectators. 

20. Last night the Ship was moved 10 feet, & in the day over the 
wharf. The inhabitants gave most generous assistance, & without 
damage, she is now so as to be able soon to float. The Persons 
present at the first view exceeded 9,000 persons. 

[97] 21. The Launching was a continued scene of mortification. 
The work was excellently prepared, & tho' the ground was made, not 
a single defect appeared. The only fault was in the descent of the 
ways, & M r Derby objected to a greater elevation at the first laying 
of the Keel. Some attempts were made by persons on the Spot to 
effect a reconciliation without success. Invitations were sent round, 
& round. The Brothers are sworn enemies. There was a very hand- 
some collation made by M r Derby for the workmen in the great un- 
finished House, & for the Gentlemen in the Counting House & Store. 
No injuries were suffered in this complicate operation of heaving, 
removing stages, blocks, & ways. The numbers on board, exceeding 
200, did not shake her. Yesterday the Town Crier gave notice of 
the Launching, & asked assistance, which was most chearfully 
granted. Last night she was drawn her length from the ways. It 
seems to be the prevailing opinion that the ill success arose from the 
want of a just descent, which the elevation of the Ship would not 
admit. Sent a present preengaged, with its intended formalities 
tho' a dissention had intervened ! as a debt of honor. If the usual 
compliments were denied, it would be an insult, rather than a 
present, & not the thing promised. I have not learnt how it was 
received. 

[98] [May] 22. Sunday. Notes. Mary Boardman & children for 
death of a Son & Husband at Sea. Joshua Dodge & Wife, d. of 
their Brother Cabot. This day without singing. In my remarks 
to the Congregation I said, "That in future I should not extend my 
wishes to the Ladies in the seat. It would be my utmost desire to 
hear them from the pews." The opinions are various upon this 
remark. The chief singer violated her chastity in a very unhappy 
manner. Of late her friends have shewn a reluctance at her public 
services in the Music, & have openly dissuaded her. She is reluc- 
tant on their account. The invectives against Singing Schools as 
corrupting Morals have been frequent, & tho I have been witness to 
no remarkable effects, as the youth take uncommon liberties on our 
Streets in the evening, these Schools may contribute to the evil. 
It is true they have required great care, & the success in Singing 
has never been adequate to the labour. We have formed but one, 
upon whom we could depend out of an hundred in eight years. 
They have been equally unstable in all the societies in Town, & in 
Boston they are detained only in those societies, which have so much 
o f the popular religion as can command the least instructed of the 



262 DIAEY OF [1791 

sex. It is hence a question, whether it be an object to our religious 
societies to solicit them. 

[99] 23. A Proposition to be made to the Marine Society for a 
Chaplain. He shall have the title of Chaplain of the Marine Society. 
He shall not be a member. He shall not do any religious service 
in any family of a member, which interferes with the family Priest, 
or Minister. He shall qualify himself to converse with all strangers 
of every rank, who are brought into Port, so far as he may be able, 
& shall assist them in settling their affairs in case of sickness, deten- 
tion, or Shipwreck, inform them of the Laws of the Country, trans- 
late their papers, & assist them in all communications with the Town. 
And for these services, or any immediately in his profession, he 
shall receive no compensation, or promise from the parties so obliged 
in any case whatever. But in case of expence, excepting of time, 
& labour, he may report to the Marine Society, & shall be indemni- 
fied for all expences fairly proved to have been incurred in such 
charitable service. That it shall be the object of such an appoint- 
ment, to make no pecuniary considerations to any man, but to accept 
the voluntary service of ministers in every benevolent design, giving 
them proper encouragement that they shall not make disproportion- 
ed sacrifices of their interest. 

[100] 24. The melancholy report that Capt Elkins lost his Brig 
in the Texel, & that all perished but the Captain.* We have not 
the particulars, but by this event I loose several valuable parish- 
ioners. Aaron Batten, who leaves a Wife & child. Sam 1 Bowditch, 
who leaves a Wife & child. Sam 1 Cotton, who leaves a Wife & 
child. William Dean, Shehane & Charles, a Swedish Servant to 
Capt Elkins. 

25. Went to Boston to attend at the Election. After Sermon, an 
entertainment was provided in Fanueil Hall, at which 400 partook. 
The number of clergy was great, & the entertainment was at the 
governor's private expence. 

26. The convention of ministers. Thomas' Bible was under con- 
sideration. I dined in company with several clergy, of singular zeal. 

27. Was introduced by M r Clarke to D r Carroll, Bp. of the Cath- 
olics in America, whom I found to be an intelligent & very agreable 
man. I was present at M r Freeman's at dinner time, but called off 
by the Stage, to return to Salem. The scene was pleasant, & no dis- 
gusting events interrupted the enjoyment. Was in company with 
M r Wheeler. [101] Employed my mind upon the anxious Task 
of providing singers for public worship. No assurances, to ease 
the suspence. 

[May] 29. Sunday. Note. L. Odle for one of her children sick. 
An invitation from M r Barrell of Boston to dine on Tuesday next 
with Bp. Carroll. 

*The brig Harriette was lost off the Texel, Holland, on Mar. 21, 1791. 



1791] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 263 

30. The weather for several days has been very hot. Made con- 
cessions of peace to the singers. 

31. A meeting to make the last preparations for the Charter of 
Essex Lodge, by the Choice of Officers. Joseph Hiller, Esq r , Mas- 
ter, E. H. Derby jun r , senior Warden, Eev d W. Bentley, Jun : War- 
den, &c. The arrangement was to flatter the interest, &c. Judge 
Winthrop has gone on upon the subject of the Canal through Cape 
Cod. A young Frenchman introduced from Martinico to learn the 
English Language. He comes with Capt Townsend, & has Letters 
for M r Gray. Named S l Marie Sougue. 

[102] June 1. Attended for the first time the Company 
of Proprietors of the Philosophical Library at their Annual Meeting, 
adjourned from yesterday. Wrote to G. M. Hays upon the subject 
of the Essex Lodge, inclosing the election of Officers on the last 
evening, & a copy of the By-Laws to be taken by J. Jenks, Secretary. 
Began with my new pupil, this morning. 

2. An awkward effect of superstition. A Capt J. Ingersoll, bred 
in the superstition of the New Lights, upon his return from Sea, 
desired to see his wife, who had been buried in a grave some time. 
He went with men to assist him in the night, & opened the grave, 
& found the body already disfigured. The neighbours were alarmed 
by observing a light, & men digging, & finding in the morning the 
grave disturbed, entered a complaint in consequence of which legal 
search was made to discover whether any attempts had been made 
by practitioners in surgery, &c, & whether they had taken a sub- 
ject from the burying ground. 

3. Received a letter from Hays, G. M. informing me of the atten- 
tion paid to the Salem Petition, & of my assignation to an address 
on S 1 John's day, the 24 th instant. Wrote an answer of thanks & 
compliance. Spent the evening at Rev d Bernard's with D r Tucker 
of Newbury. Letter from Clarke, respecting an exchange on the 
Second Sunday. 

[103J 4. Fine Showers. Am informed that Bp. Carroll preached 
last Sunday in Boston, & that he is to preach again tomorrow, & 
that the Governor, & other gentlemen intend to hear him at the 
Catholic Chapel. 

[June] 5. Sunday. Preached in the afternoon at Bernard's. We 
had Judge Cooper with us from Boston. He is from S l Crux. 

6. The Governor has expressed his disapprobation of Lotteries 
in a very concise but pertinent manner. 

7. We had news of Capt Sam 1 Derby who lost his vessel & Cargo 
upon the Plate Bocks upon his passage to the West Indies. 

8. D r Parker of the Episcopal Church in Boston, for the first 
time, an example from any person of his Communion, officiated at 
the Artillery Election. The people would not consent that the 
service should be in his own Church, but at the usual place. He 



264 DIARY OF [1791 

read a prayer composed for the occasion, introduced with the pas- 
sages of scripture used in his own Liturgy. 

9. Went upon the Water, & spent the day with Messieurs 
Gaines, Gardiner, Collins, Ward, & Becket. All veterans in the 
service. 

10. Last night a violent Thunder Storm. The air was full of 
fog for several hours before. We have had so little heavy thunder 
that we aggravate the discription. 

11. Saturday. Received of Capt Patterson the [several] Vol- 
umes in French. [164] Went for Boston & upon an exchange 
with Clarke. 

[June] 12. Was politely received at dinner by M r Barrell, & 
family, who shewed me his large & elegant arrangements for amuse- 
ment, & philosophic experiments. His birds played in a globe sur- 
rounded with a globe of water in which the fish play. He has an 
excellent portrait of D r Cooper from the original with the Governor. 
He has an original of M r Clarke. He has a variety of paintings, 
engravings, & representations in clay from China. He was an ad- 
venturer in the first voyage to the back parts of America, & has 
several great curiosities. [105] His apparatus for experimental 
Philosophy is good, especially for electricity. He has a good library. 
The House is elegant in all its furniture. His Garden is beyond 
any example I have seen. A young grove is growing in the back 
ground, in the middle of which is a pond, decorated with four ships 
at anchor, & a marble figure in the centre. The Chinese manner 
is mixed with the European in the Summer house which 
fronts the House, below the Flower Garden. Below is the 
Hot House. In the apartment above are his flowers admit- 
ted more freely to the air, & above a Summer House with every 
convenience. The Squares are decorated with Marble figures as 
large as life. No expence is spared to render the whole amusing, 
instructive, & friendly. I preached in M r Clarke's congregation. 
It is not large, but very liberal in opinions. They have an organ, 
the first introduced into dissenting Meeting Houses. The example 
is seducing. Not merely from the fondness of parade, which leads 
religion, as well as follows easily in its train, but from the great 
inconveniences, & real difficulties attending the support of vocal 
Music. From my own experience I can say, that the greatest pains 
& expence cannot always ensure success. [106] I met my friend 
Winthrop returning from his Survey of the intended Sandwich 
Canal. In the evening I had an opportunity of hearing the noted 
John Richards,* who preaches with Murray of Cape Ann, & occasion- 
ally at Boston. He is celebrated as a Poet, of fine imagination & 
he displayed it in all the mysticism which connects itself with 
Relly's doctrine of universal Salvation. Many are called, but few 

*Rev. George Richards, afterwards pastor of the Universalist church at Portsmouth 

N. H. * 



1701] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 265 

chosen. His sense that the many are all, & the few, the Apostles, 
the Kings & Priests to God, &c, was confirmed by the History of 
the Jews, & the Law of the first Born, & the dignified in heaven 
make a House of Lords, not unlike some thing on earth. 

13. Was directed by Professor Dexter to M r Lawton, who had 
executed our Masonic Charter, the whole expence of which will 
amount to six pounds. Was a Spectator of the remains of M" 
Wright's Wax Work, which are in the hands of a M r Bowen. The 
principal figures were, the President & Lady, the King of G. Brit- 
ain & Queen, Bishop Provost, & D r Rogers, several fancy female 
Forms. A representation of Baron Trench in Chains, D r Franklin, 
Darby & Joan, the Sailor, &c. It is said they have great advantage 
when viewed in the night. The Prince of Wales & some private 
characters are in the exhibition. [107] The weather very warm. 
Returned to Salem. At Cambridge I found the Library much in- 
creased & the Museum differently arranged, & with double of its 
usual contents. The Kamschatcha Voyage has done much towards 
its enlargement. Bishop Caroll preached in Boston, but as the 
time of service coincided with mine I had not the pleasure of hear- 
ing him on this occasion. White Sunday. At D r Lathrop I found 
the Library of Governor Bowdoin, presented to the Academy. It 
is now in order, & contains 1400 volumes. 

14. Went to Cape Ann to attend the association. Found very 
few members present, it being very hot. M c Keen of Beverley was 
ready to preach on the occasion. A large Choir of Singers were 
collected from the several congregations. The Preacher discoursed 
upon the doctrine of future punishment, the Subject, which since 
1773 has kept the Town in confusion. He handled the subject 
without the least degree of ingenuity, & in a manner suited to 
affront one party, & not gratify the other. Upon my return to the 
house I blamed the introduction of the subject, & the inconsistent 
manner in which it was located, [stc] But I was alone. Any concerted 
plan was denied on the part of the Incumbent. The history however 
is this, as from his own lips. [108] In conversation in favor of the 
doctrine of eternal Punishment he mentioned three texts as decisive. 
That in John to Martha, that of Jesus in the 25 th of Matthew, & 
that in Paul to the Romans. The texts were reported to the Univer- 
salist, who had promised to preach upon them. In the meanwhile 
the last is discussed by our Preacher. And this is pretended by 
accident. There is a great want of ingenuous conduct in some men. 
The blame will not be cast on me, & necessity alone will induce 
me to risk reputation on such occasions. After dinner we were 
introduced to drink Tea at M r Rogers', the first merchant in the 
place, who has a numerous family, & preserves unusual vivacit}^, 
while above sixty years of age. In the evening we were conducted 
to a M r Sergeants' at whose house Music was prepared for the even- 
ing. There was a considerable number of gentleman & Ladies & 



266 DIARY OF [1791 

very handsome entertainment. The instrumental & vocal music were 
well performed. We have nothing like it in Essex. The Conviv- 
iality is remarkable. The pieces were of different classes. At 
eleven we retired. The hospitality of Capt Rogers secured me at 
his house, and the expectation of a chearful day to succeed, made 
a succession of very pleasurable emotions. He has a fine wife, & 
gay children, who contributed [109] their full share to the enter- 
tainment, & the pleasure. 

15. This morning it was agreed to go to Eastern Point, which 
makes the entrance to the Harbour, above a mile below the Town. 
The harbour is formed by the Fort Hill, a little peninsular on the 
west, which projects boldly before the Town, & Rocky Neck which 
runs westerly from the eastern point. The entrance is not wide, 
but of sufficient depth of water. From the town is a Ledge called 
Duncan's Ledge which runs towards Rocky Neck in a southerly di- 
rection, within which is the Head of the Harbour, a bason not much 
used, but which opens into a Cove in Rocky Neck, called Smuggling 
Harbour from a particular use made of it before the War. It runs 
also towards Sandy Bay & there might easily in a valley be formed 
an inlet, through a communication which the Sea sometimes has 
opened. About half a mile without the Fort Hill is " Tenpound 
Island," not containing an acre of ground, & between which & 
Eastern point there is a communication at the lowest tides, & many 
difficult rocks. Below on eastern point is a Ledge called Black Bess, 
& nearer the point Dog Rocks. Without the Point about one mile, 
eastward is Brace's Cove. It has a Bluff head on the western side, 
which is a large & lofty rock. It has a Ledge on the eastern side 
& Rocks without it. [HO] It has often proved fatal to mariners, 
& the Cove been mistaken for the entrance into Cape Ann Harbour. 
The Cove is clear after you are within the eastern Ledge. It enters 
almost half a mile, & by a narrow Beach is seperated from a Pond, 
which extends almost across the eastern point, which is joined to 
the main by this Beach formed by the sea, a few rods wide, & by 
the road not much wider on the side towards Cape Ann Harbour. 
From Brace's Rock the lights at Thatcher's Islands are in full view, 
above a league's distance. The Farm of Eastern point, purchased 
last year by Daniel Rogers, who was with us, is very rough. There 
is a delightful grove of Oaks, &c. within the point, to which company 
resorts and enjoys a fine air in the warmest weather. The Farm is 
very rough, affords pasture, but there was no tillage land beyond the 
Pond towards the Point. About 200 acres lay towards the point, 
& the rest, amounting to 300 acres was sold together for 320 pounds. 
The tenant pays an annual rent of 27 £. The House is on the road 
by the pond, after you have passed it going to eastern Point, not a 
mile from the Grove. Opposite to eastern Point at the entrance is 
a Rocky Shore called Norman's Woe, & about a league westerly near 
the shore may be seen Kettle Island, a small island, & a mile beyond 



1791] REV. WILLIAM BEHTLEY 267 

on the same shore Egg rock, as you go towards Manchester. [Ill] 
Our party consisted of above 60 persons of both sexes. With Col 
Pearce in a skif we caught several dozen of perch, & after two we 
dined in a friendly manner. Another party in a Sloop larger than 
our own furnished us with Cod from the Bay, & after dinner till 
Tea parties were engaged in Walking, dancing, singing, & Quoiting, 
& Swinging & every amusement we could imagine. The Poets story 
of Twandillo was realized. There was but one instrument of Music 
with us, which was a fiddle brought by its owner to pick up a few 
coppers. To see him play with it upon his head, under his arm, &c, 
furnished a pleasure which the happiness of ignorance may inno- 
cently occasion. 

Hark, — his tortured catgut squeals 
He tickles every string, to every note 
He bends his pliant neck. — 
The fond yielding Maid 
Is tweedled into Love. 

We set out about ten in the morning, and arrived before nine in 
the evening safe at the same wharf. And what deserves notice, 
not a single accident, not an angry word, occasioned the least in- 
terruption to so large a party. The principal Gentlemen were in 
this party, Daniel Rogers, Esq r , his two sons John & Charles, 
Capts Soames, Tucker, Sergeant, Beach, Col. Pearce, Major Pear- 
son, Master Harkin, M r Parsons, &c. I went to Tea at Capt 
Beach's elegant House near the [112] meeting House, & was con- 
ducted into the several apartments to observe the neatness which 
prevailed under the pretence of examining an excellent collection 
of pictures. On the day before I had visited his excellent & large 
Family Garden, & Rope walk. I lodged at Esq r Rogers, who collect- 
ed his family & finished the scene by an act of devotion. 

16. In the morning I arose before the family, & set off for 
home, & breakfasted at Manchester, & reached Salem after eleven. 
A new Axle fixed to the Bell this afternoon. Delivered the Char- 
ter to B. Hodges for Essex Lodge. The suspence respecting the 
fate of Elkins still continues. While we were on eastern point, 
another party, with whom was the Rev d M r Murray went into the 
Bay after Cod & continued off the point all day. The religious con- 
troversy is not so far settled as to admit a coalition between the 
Clergymen, tho' it is greatly promoted among the people. Passing 
a farm house in Manchester I observed a young girl of 14 years, & 
asked what the name of the rock was directly before the door, about 
1/4 of a mile from the shore. She answered she had never heard, 
& seemed to wonder at the question. Was this ignorance, in her, 
or impertinence in myself ? 

[113] 17. Fine Showers after a long time of warm weather. 
We have information that a Methodist Bishop will visit us next 



268 diary op [1791 

Wednesday. They are building a House in Lynn & M r Lee is suc- 
ceeded by a M r Smith. The advantages taken by the Methodists 
of dissentions, is only a more open game, which better informed 
men are playing under the Table. Their funds they speak much 
of. It is a question whether the death of J. Wesley will derange 
them. They are determined to try their force in New England. 
In Salem, the Congregation at the Tabernacle have finished a little 
house of prayer, in which they have a public service every Sunday 
evening. It will probably prove an excellent nursery of some be- 
wildered sect, & enlarge our number of religious Hawkers. 

18. Went down to the Neck, & spent the day alone fishing, &c. 
A Disturbance in the street by a M rs Bisby, delirious, applying 
for the ministers, &c. &c. &c. A curious trial of a Constable, who 
apprehended an apprentice making a noise last Sunday in the 
Street. The case was given in favor of the Officer at Esq r Ward's 
& against, this day, at Esq r Manning's. The Officers of the peace 
have unmanly competitions. 

[June] 19. Sunday. Very rainy, & congregation accordingly. 
Present from Rev d M r Hazlitt of his Sermons. Last Sunday, M r 
B. Brown's Note for his wife's delivery. 

21. Saw a Medal in honor of John Wesley. On the face, Wes- 
ley standing in a devout posture elevated countenance, own hair, 
band, & cloke. Inscription. Rev: John Wesley. Reverse. Field 
Preaching. Legend. By grace are ye saved through faith. 1789. 

22. This day Bishop Seabury of Connecticut, passed through 
the Town on his way to Portsmouth. I introduced myself through 
the Innkeeper, & offered my kindest attentions. He is a man of 
excellent person, good address, manly confidence. But he is 
rigorous in his discipline, & a true Churchman. M r Thayer was in 
Town in the triumph of his appointment at Boston, & victory 
over his rival, Rousselet. I saw a dog at Ropes' without hair, dark, 
& spotted white, as some negroes. His head & front is covered 
with hair, & here & there a tuft adheres to his body. [115] His 
tail was as much covered as is usual, & he cannot be said to belong 
to a distinct species, but to depend upon accidental formation. 
These Bomare considers as coupled from one with & one without 
hair, but the presumption is still that the origin is from an acci- 
dental cause. 

23. In the morning I went for Boston. Spent the day among 
my relations, & made my home at Deacon Ridgeway's. 

24. Between 12 & 1 o'clock the Service began at the Chapel. 
M r Freeman read several select prayers, & the 15, 112, & 133 
psalms. I addressed the Masons, & went in the procession to Con- 
cert Hall, in which we dined elegantly. After the Toasts I 
retired. 

25. I went through several parts of the Town. Found D r S. 
capable of misrepresenting my sentiments on the Psalms, & sent 



1791] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 269 

him a challenge. This D r spent 3 hours in the Kitchen of a 
Clergyman in the absence of the Clergyman out of Town, whom he 
never visited after several invitations. The Maid, who was visited 
never gave an invitation. Such are Clerical arts to advance a par- 
ty. The maid was Freeman's but an hearer of Thatcher. [116] 
Upon my return I found the Methodistic Bishop, M r Asbury, preach- 
ing in Lynn, in a miserable Tavern kept by a Mr. Slake, called the 
Queen of France. His hearers were few, & his language quite 
derogatory of his assximed character. 

[June] 26. Sunday. Notes. Wid. Sarah Hodges, death of her 
only child, & Prayers for her Brethren at Sea. Hannah Hosmer, 
thanks for delivery & prayer for her Husband & Brother at Sea. 

27. The news respecting Elkins rendered certain by Letters 
from him, in which he relates the loss of his whole Crew, who left 
the wreck, & his own preservation by tarrying upon it. Other 
losses in the same Storm. 

28. Saw M rs Elkins' Letter from her Husband in which he 
mentions the fate of his own Crew, & his own remarkable preserva- 
tion. The Letter from the G. Lodge requesting a copy of my ad- 
dress for the press, signed Hayes, Morton, Revere, Bartlett, Dex- 
ter, urges its purpose, while M r Freeman urges to decline from re- 
gard to the light in which the best of such compositions are viewed 
in the world. But is not this a motive. For as something useful 
may be provoked, the institution may be reformed. 

[117] 29. At six o'clock, according to notice in a Gazette, 
Bishop Asbury, of the Methodists, preached in our Court House. 
Bishop Seabury has been busily engaged in Confirmation at Ports- 
mouth. Thus we go on, while the Universalists by the most 
stupid distinctions are involving Christianity in the thick darkness 
of Mysticism. Part of the day at Capt Patterson's with Capt Le 
Moine. My Frenchman gives his name, Jean Francois S 4 Marie 
Sougue. 

30. Delivered to Burrill a letter to Esq r Hays in which I de- 
cline the publication of the Address but leave it still with them to 
decide, if the Lodge importunate. Settled at M r Brown's, in 
presence with M r Ward, the accounts of the Church, & entered a 
balance in our favor of £12. 14. 7. This is the first settlement of 
this kind, since my ordination. Nor is there any trace of a Church 
Stock, or fund, since the foundation in 1718. This is one step to 
improvement, & I hope a pleasing sign of reasonable progress. 
Demands have before my coming been made at the Communion for 
more money, we now are able to assist our own poor, & provide for 
the table the elements & furniture. A Strainer is to be our first 
easy purchase. 

[118] July 1, 1791. News of the Death of Capt N. 
Silsbee. He entered life in the employment of E. H. Derby, had 
a good reputation, & a very respectable interest. By intemper- 



270 DIARY OF [1791 

ance he fell from the public esteem, suffered his accounts to be de- 
ranged & had recourse to very indirect means with his creditors & 
finally sunk out of notice. He had been to the southward with the 
interest of some faithful friends. Died at Baltimore, Capt W m 
Carleton, Brother to my Land Lady. After reports say, at Barba- 
does, upon a voyage from Baltimore. The last is received as the 
true account, set 46. See Sept. 21. 

2. Beports respecting some dishonesties in marking flour by 
some Merchants, & of an effigy by a very foolish man, over a sign 
ordered by Congress respecting distilled spirits. Invectives are 
published against the Vice President for his Aristocratic principles, 
his notes on Davila, & his defence of Burke. Went to see the Man- 
ufactory in Beverley, & I found the Methodist Bishop & Train had 
visited the parish, & preached at Browne's Folly. They have 
preached also at Manchester. Large additions are making to the 
Marine Society, & they view the Masons as their rivals. It would 
be desirable to form one society, if the Institutions would admit. 
[119] Gen. Fiske informed me that a Beacon was designed for 
Baker's Island, at the entrance of the Harbour of Salem, at the ex- 
pence of the Marine Society, & that it was to be executed by agree- 
ment immediately, & done in the most effectual manner. The ob- 
vious causes for extending the terms of admission into the Marine 
Society, so as to comprehend all men concerned in navigation, is 
that this town, neithe rfrom its real numbers, or the spirit of its as- 
sociations, can admit two flourishing societies. It is said that the 
Humane Society in Boston has united with the Marine. How far 
this is true I know not. The end of such associations however is 
lost, when they embrace many members, & the design is not very 
specific. The Freuch Academy found it so, when they divided 
from the Physics, the Belles Letters. They feared for the division 
of their strength, but the comparison between them & England 
which had only its Royal Society under patronage will shew wheth- 
er the French missed it. It deserves to be remarked, Masonry has 
an object beyond the Marine Society. It is not a mere promise to 
distress, but a design to urge the social passions by the most famil- 
iar & innocent social pleasures. In this view may not a division be 
maintained ? 

[120] [July] 3. Sunday. Notes. Anna Bowditch, death of 
her Husband & pr. for her Brethren at Sea. Mary Bowditch & 
Children, death of her Son, & for Sons at Sea, & on death of her 
Brother Carleton. Wid. Mary Batten, sudden death of her only 
Son, & for Son in Law at Sea. Sarah Batten, sudden death of her 
husband, & pr. for brethren at Sea. Elizabeth Cotton, d. of her 
Brother & pr. for her Husband & Brother at Sea. Elizabeth 
Mason, d. of youngest Child, & pr. for husband & friends at Sea. 
William Peele & Wife, d. of Brother Silsbee, & pr. for a son at Sea. 
Mary Bateman, d. of her Brother Batten & pr. for husband at Sea. 



1791] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 271 

Preserved Elkins returns thanks for the remarkable preservation of 
her husband, asks p. for his safe return, p. on death of a friend, & 
for absent Brethren. Alice Cotton, d. of her husband & for herself 
in alow condition. [121] Thomas Dean & Wife for repeated stroke 
in death of another Son, & p. for his only Son at Sea. Wid. Sarah 
Shehane and children, d. of one of her sons, p. for one at Sea, & 
thanks for the safe return of a Son from Sea. Samuel Ropes & 
Wife , her delivery. Hannah Peele, recovery & life of her child, 
Husband at Sea. The Above list comprehends but a small part of 
the friends, who are interested in the late melancholy bereavement. 
4. Went at 4 o'clock for Boston , & heard the Oration delivered 
by D r Eustis to the Cincinnati. The oration was modest & agre- 
able. There was a direct interference between this & the Town 
Oration, from the jealousies respecting this order. Both began at 
twelve. By M r May my soul was embittered with some unkind reports 
respecting a Sister to whom a dissolute fellow of the Town paid 
great attention. M r Freeman assured me of the same reports. The 
youth is of a very good family, but infamous as to his moral char- 
acter. I waited upon my Sister & remonstrated [122] against the 
connection in the most explicit terms. I found She was unused 
to restraint, rather inclined to bitterness than humility & a very 
proper subject for temptation. My Father was urgent against the 
association, & the liberties taken in visiting the House. My Mother 
was deceived by the hope that the poor have good chances some- 
times. Success is really doubtful on this occasion. The Military 
parade of the day was small. Two select companies under the 
command of Captains Laughton & Wallux* were upon the Common. 
Upon my return I found Capt H. Elkins, the unfortunate man who 
had been shipwrecked on the Texel, just returned by the way of 
Cape Ann. I had no opportunity, but of just seeing him. This 
day bears to the same family the news of the death of Capt Maley,t 
who was knocked overboard by his Boom, a few days before the 
Vessel arrived at Newbury Port. A Canal is digging of one mile 
& 1/4 to open a communication between Hampton & Newbury 
Port. The Universalists have sent a Circular Letter, dated Phila- 
delphia, 25 May, 1791. They mention their success & hopes, but 
neither by the number of Churches, or proselytes, or situation, give 
us any means of a judgement. They evidently qualify their fav- 
orite tenet with a more express avowal of punishment & the use of 
good morals. It is only rigid Calvinism in doctrine, in the vapours 
of Charity. 

[123] In the evening we had our meeting to receive & act upon 
our Charter as Free Masons. We did not make any enquiries into 
the controversy at Boston, between S* Andrews Lodge & the G. 

•Wallack? 

tMrs. Maley and Mrs. Elkius were sisters. 



272 diaey op [1791 

Lodge, or what steps had been taken to reconcile the several Lod- 
ges upon the Continent, or in this State. We found the G. Lodge 
in possession of their authority, & chearf ully accepted a Lodge from 
them & they granted our request upon very moderate terms. The 
Charter was accepted; we were to rank from our date, but not upon 
any number. This may leave room for debate, as we may claim 
before any who have not yet acknowledged the authority of the G. 
Lodge. Our Officers were chosen as before. Joseph Hiller Esq r , 
Master ; E. H. Derby, S. Warden ; W. Bentley, J. W. j J. King, 
Treasurer ; J. Jenks, Secretary ; J. Page, S. D. ; E. Lang, J. D. ; 
J. Vincent & J. Becket, Stewards; Simon Lang, Tyler. The dues 
for the Charter were discharged, & a Committee chosen to determine 
the value of the Jewels, & to provide such other furniture as would 
be necessary. The expence of the Boom is to be between 40 & 50 
dollars, & a reasonable compensation made for such articles as we 
improve belonging to a former Lodge. 

[124] 6. The enquiry into the length of the Lives of the Con- 
gregational ministers of Salem, afforded the following result, as we 
afforded the subject our recollection only. Many Ministers did not 
spend their whole lives in Salem, as the first, M r Skelton, & Mr. 
Higginson coming from Europe. We have no Church record of the 
three between M r Higginson senior & M r Higginson junior. We 
conclude they acknowledged three only in this interval of Church 
History, which extended from 1636 to 1660, 24 years. We know 
from Winthrop's Journal that there was a controversy between 
parties respecting M 1 ' Williams, who afterwards left, & founded 
rhode island States or providence plantations. M r Belnap mentions 
another who came & settled at Dover from Salem. D r Mather 
mentions two labourers in his own way. M r Norris certainly was 
regularly pastor, & died in office. M r H. Peters spent seven years 
in America & probably the greater part in Salem, & it appears was 
acknowledged Pastor, when requested by the government to go for 
England. M r Higginson, junior, came from the ministry in Connec- 
ticut & spent 47 years in Salem, out of 72 of his ministry. Query, 
whether this may be an example of Longevity increased by remov- 
al, as was the case at Londonderry ? M r Eiske was removed from 
the first church, & afterwards from a New House built for him, by 
a Controversy with the people. This New House afterwards be- 
came irregular, & then by Whitaker was converted into a Presby- 
terian Church. M r Bernard was removed from Newbury to Salem, 
& spent only the latter part of Life in the .Town of Salem. M r Dun- 
bar his successor, relinquished on account of his health, & left the 
ministry, & the Society divided, & another irregular Society formed 
under M r Bernard junior. 

From this account of the First Church we have the following in- 
compleat lives. At the end of them. Skelton, ministry 3 years. 



1791] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 273 

Higginson sen. 7 years, & Higginson jun. 47 years. M r Bernard s. 
20 years . At the beginning. M r Fiske, 18 years. Dunbar, 7 years. 
UNCERTAIN. M Williams, Norris, Peters, &c. By uncertain, 
it intends from the Salem Records, & further enquiry has not been 
duely made. For Life have continued. M r Noyes, 43 years minis- 
try. Curwin, colleague 3 years. Sparhawk, 20 years. 

[126] From the above account it appears the first church has had 
twelve acknowledged Pastors. Three of whom have been in the 
ministry of Salem through life, 43-|-3-4-20 years. Four in the end 
of life, 3+7+20+47. Four at the beginning, 18+7, &c. length 
uncertain & the other at the end of life, but length uncertain. One 
was colleague with the other. 

In 1718, at the Settlement of M r Fiske, the Second irregular 
Church was formed. Two for life, M r Stanton, 9 years; M r 
Diman, 50 years. One dismissed, M r Jennison after 9 years. 

The irregular society which was formed from M r Fiske in his 
favour, have had in succession to him, M r Leavitt, M r Huntington. 
As a Presbyterian Church, D r Whitaker. As an Independant, Mr S. 
From Whitaker another formed. 



[127] 




Old Church. 


settled. 


died. 


minist 


I. 


Skelton, 




1629. 




3. 


II. 


Higginson, set. 


43. 


1629. 


1636. 


7. 


III. 


Williams. 










IV. 


Peters. 










V. 


Norris. 










VI. 


Higginson, 




1660. 


1707. 


47. 


VII. 


Noyes, set. 70. 




1683. 


1717. 


43. 


VIII. 


Curwin, aet. 35. 




1714. 


1717. 


3. 


IX. 


Fiske, 




1718. 




18. 


X. 


Sparhawk, 




1736. 


1756. 


20. 


XI. 


Bernard, 




1756. 


1778. 


20. 


XII. 


Dunbar, 


Second Church 


1772. 




7. 


I. 


Stanton, 








9. 


II. 


Jennison, 








9. 


III. 


Diman, set. 80. 




1736. 


1788. 


50. 



From the foundation of first church till the resignation of M r Dun- 
bar, 149 years. From 1718 to death of M r Diman, 70 years. 

[128] 7. Upon an arrival from the West Indies we are alarmed 
in fear of the fate of Capt Chipman, who had not arrived at his 
Port in 60 days, nor had we any news of him. We have also the 
melancholy tidings of the death of W. Elkins, a promising young 
man, who was drowned from on board of Capt Loring. Our dis- 
tresses are repeated. 



274 DIARY OF [1791 

8. In consequence of the various distresses, which we have 
suffered, numerous reports are spread respecting the state of our 
absent friends, so that it has become a time of general disquietude. 
All are expecting ill news from their friends. 

9. Some of our fears we realize, M r Smith, who married Lydia 
King, has arrived from the East Indies, from Bengal in Capt Rich 
of Boston, & brings the news of the death of M r William Cotton, a 
most worthy young man, who died at Batavia in Java, on the 26 of 
July 1790, of the fever of that place. He & M r Smith were ad- 
venturers in the service of India Merchants upon high wages. The 
one has paid with his life, & the other gives but poor recommenda- 
tion to such temporaiy employment. He asserts that he has buried 
12 hands of his Crew & that he was sick in person nearly five 
months. [129] This evening visited Capt White's & found him & 
his Wife absent. I drank Tea with the Ladies which makes up the 
unhappy affair in present appearance. After Tea we walked upon 
the Shore, to the no small inconvenience of our stockings, & this 
may probably be a subject for speculation. However, our conduct 
was orderly, discreet, & commendable, if wetting the feet be not a 
crime, which if a crime, it was committed in a very quiet & pleas- 
ant manner. The above W. Cotton was Brother to J. Cotton who 
perished at the Texel on board of El kins. It seems he was left at 
Batavia on account of his sickness & did not accomplish his voyage. 
These Adventurers went in the Salem Ships several years since. 

[July] 10. Sunday. Notes. Sarah Silsbee & her children, d. of 
her Husband, & for eldest Son at Sea. Mary Carleton, d. of her 
Husband. William Carleton, d. of his Father. James Carroll & 
Wife, for her sick, & Brethren at Sea. Jonathan Mason (Wife at 
Newbury), death, sudden, of his Son in Law Maley, & for his Chil- 
dren & Friends at Sea. [130] Henry Elkins & Wife, return thanks 
to God for his remarkable Preservation & p. for Brethren & 
Friends absent. Martha Babbidge, d. of her Brother Silsbee, pr. 
for her Husband & Son at Sea. (Husband Comm. Son with Capt 
Pratt.) Mansfield Burril & Wife, d. of her Brother Silsbee & her 
Brother Babbidge at Sea. Elizabeth Mason, d. of her Brother in 
Law Maley, & for her Husband & Friends absent. Joanna Silsbee, 
d. of her Son & for G. Sons, &c. at Sea. 

11. The day very hot, & the weather been dry. It is said the 
Mercury was at 97. Enquiries are now making into the practica- 
bility of a Communication with the Connecticut, & the Charles by 
the way of Springfield. The Subject of the Militia is discussed in 
the public prints, in regard to resignations of Regimental Officers 
to Major Generals without mention of Brigadiers, &c. 

[131] 12. Weather continues hot. Several small showers in 
the afternoon. Parties at Nahant. A company of French Gentle- 
men from the W. Indies were with me, on account of my French- 
man. Seven, with their servant, have arrived this day in this Port 



1791] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 275 

A Practice recommended of selling cloathes, which need some re- 
pair at a Vendue, or from a Tailor's Shop & three suits supplying 
a new one. The Bridge over the Merrimack still in projection, &c. 
The increase of Schoolmasters. There was only M r Watson who 
kept a stated School in this part of the Town, when I came. We 
have now the following. Public School .on the Common, Master & 
Usher; Master Watson in the Long Wharf Lane; Master Rogers* 
in Liberty Lane ; Master Southwick on the Common. 

14. After all ouv fears Capt Chipman arrived this day from 
Trinidada, to our no small pleasure. The fears respecting Chip- 
man, which have distressed so many families, were excited by im- 
perfect accounts from a Merchant related by an incautious enquirer. 
This example ought to urge the greatest prudence in enquiries re- 
specting absent heads of families, &c. The want of Philosophy is 
discovered as much in a disposition to know the opinions you can- 
not value, as in the torment, when they are unfriendly. All the 
opinions which will guide an honest man will be known by a free 
intercourse with the world. And to be uneasy is to confess the 
errors into which our weakness may betray us. [133] In Methuen 
they have three religious congregations formed out of a congrega- 
tional Society. It is the only town on the north side of the river 
in Essex above Haverhill. One of the societies is Separatist, the 
other Baptist. The Baptists are formed by an aversion to a Tax, 
& a previous inability to pay them, often from private character. 
The Separatists, called Hopkintonians, are Farmer Metaphysicians, 
& in this town they have lately hit upon a singular expedient to 
answer their purpose. They have settled an illiterate preacher for 
the business. The Congregationalists composed of disjointed ma- 
terials, foreigners, idlers, & honest yeomen, & vexed with the feuds 
of little sects, settled a man four years since, whom they now dis- 
miss. The Parsonage began the quarrel. The Parson with a pru- 
dence, often the result of despair, after a lecture accosted the 
people, who rose in their defence. A mutual council is the result 
& a dismission. 

15. Examples of transient deliriums are not infrequent. A 
Miss Barton, since Derby, was the first example & recovered with 
Kitteridge at Andover. M r J. Pratt recovered at the same place in 
a few months. A M r Tozzer has recovered after a few months. A 
young woman Bisby, is now at Andover, & a M r J. Chipman, a 
worthy merchant, is now in the same state. There is also a M r Phip- 
pen, but his disorder is hereditary. There was also a young Palfrey, 
[134] whose delirium has impaired the vigour of his mind, & tho' 
not productive of idiotism, it has left an indolent habit, very 
different from his former manners. There was a M™ Safford,alias — , 
who after delivery was in this state, & it was mistaken & urged 

•Nathaniel Rogers who came from Ipswich. 



276 DIAEY OF [1791 

on as a conversion, but the disorder being cured, she recovered. 
There was a young Lawyer, Pynchon, but it was accounted for by 
a very irregular life, which he has at present reformed. A 
M rs Frank,* so called, of Jersey Island, has been in a continued de- 
lirium for several years. There have been several other examples 
which have occured in the Charity House. All these cases have 
followed certain disorders of body & commonly fevers. They have 
been attended with considerable emaciation, & have come on after 
long complaints of weakness. The frequent use of evacuations & 
the country air have not failed to restore the patients, after fair ex- 
periments. They only remain subject, who have not made a fair 
experiment of the country air, such as poor people. I went to 
Nahant with M r J. F. S* Marie Sougue, & we found a M r Pay son, 
Minister of Pitchbourgh, there as an invalid, & disordered in mind, 
but much recovered, & M. to his no small pleasure found a french 
Peasant. We returned in the afternoon. 

[135] 16. The earth refreshed with several delightful showers, 
& then a continued rain. Several projections made respecting the 
Sooiety to decorate the Meeting-House, provide a Dial for the 
Clock, repair the vane, &c. These freaks which die in thinking, 
tend to recruit the spirits, & assist the insensible but sure progress 
towards an unhappy [sic] establishment. They deserve to be encour- 
aged for their distant, if not immediate effects. Capt Townsend 
who sailed from this port on the 8 th instant has put into Portsmouth 
& arrived in Town this day having lost his mast by a stroke of 
Lightening upon his outward bound Passage. 

[July] 17. Sunday. Notes. Susannah Babbidge, death of two 
G. Children & for Son & friends at Sea. John Babbidge & Wife, 
her delivery, death of Brother Cotton & for Brother at Sea. Eliz- 
abeth Cotton, d. of her Husband & d. of one of his Brethren & for 
Brethren & friends at Sea. Elizabeth Webber, for Husband sick 
abroad & for her father & brethren at Sea. [136] Alice Cotton, 
d. of her Brother Cotton & for Brethren at Sea. Sarah Elkins, d. 
of her Son William & for youngest son at Sea. My Sermon on the 
last Sunday in which I treated of the progress of the Parish, & pro- 
posed the subject of dangers at Sea, had not a large share of pop- 
ularity. One did not go to meeting for arithmetic, & another to 
learn to swim. It is not worth the pains, to labour so much to be 
pardoned by the best friends, & be mistaken by the ignorant. 
Whether such subjects ought not to be introduced, for the general 
usefulness of the pulpit. 

18. The intention of the Marine Society is to erect a beacon on 
Baker's Island, obliging the expence of above £60. It was proposed 
to Subscribe £20 in the Society, & offer the paper abroad. It lay 
36 hours in the Office, & from a variety of excuses was not signed. 
One objected to the design, another would not sign first, one would 
♦Rachel, wife of Joseph Frank. 



1791] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 277 

not let them have the credit, another disliked some particular choice 
of officers. In this manner the Social institutions are patronised 
among us. It is worth the pains to turn to the conduct of the 
Marine [137] Society, before its late enlargements. 

19. Went in the morning early for Boston in a Chaise with M r 
Isaac White jun r & arrived at Nine o'clock. Undertook to get a Will 
signed by the Governor for M rs Cotton, expences 12 8 /, which I 
charged not. I then applied to the Dutch Consul, M. LaTour, who 
gave his testimony to the authenticity of the signatures in his own 
Language. I then invited M rs Smith, then in Boston, to take a 
ride with me to Dorchester neck, & it was very pleasant. Gover- 
nor's Island bears so much to the north of the Castle Island as to 
be in full view, & not double the distance. Upon our return we 
visited the new invented machine for Tallow Chandlers in dipping 
candles. The machine for cutting wicks was not to be seen. The 
wheel upon which the wicks move is of great circumference, & will 
contain very many parcels. These are in Squares equal to the 
[138] surface of the Box into which they are dipped, & move 
easily upon the wheel. The Box of Tallow is fixed upon a Power 
which is very great, & renders it easy to lift the Box up to the 
Wick for their immersion. This may be done with so much care 
that there is little danger of their sticking together. There may be 
danger from the inequalities of the Surfaces of the candles. Ex- 
pences of a Hackney Coach or Post Chaise, 12/. I returned & 
dined with M rs Smith at a M rs Dean's, Corner of Wilson's Lane. In 
going afterwards to the North end in the same Post Chaise the 
springs broke, but without further accident. 

20. Being Commencement at Cambridge I set out for Cambridge 
from Deacon Ridge way's & in a chaise went to Judge Winthrops 
with whom I spent the day. In the morning I entertained myself 
with his curious Cabinet of Coins & Medals. It was large, & not 
with many antiques, but it had a great variety of small pieces, & 
may be deemed the best we have in this part of the Country. It is 
improving its value by constant additions, but it requires too great 
an interest in this country, to have its full success. 

In the afternoon I attended to a noted work of Judge Winthrop 
in Manuscript upon the Apocalypsis of S* John in which he has by 
a Glossary given all the terms as exegetical of historical events, & 
brought [130] the fulfilment of the whole to our own times, or 
nearly. Kings & Priests to God are equal liberty, the millenium 
a quiet state, &c. It is very ingenious, if not the true theory of 
that mystic book. I had the pleasure of examining the remains of 
the Library of Judge Winthrop, late Professor, & his large collect- 
ion of pamphlets. Without was the confusion of the day in tenfold 
increase. About 30 Batchelors, & not so many Masters graduated. 
The Governor was escorted by a Middlesex Troop. There was a 



278 DIARY OF [1791 

dispute & clashing of Swords in the afternoon, & in the Meeting 
House in the time of the exercises & in the morning one woman 
broke her thigh in the Crowd. 

21. Was the day for visiting the Library, & the morning I spent 
in viewing the six volumes of Herculanean Curiosities, which were 
at Cambridge. The Busts were not numerous, nor the antiquities 
so rare as might be wished. But this is but a small part of this 
splendid work. I saw in this collection the view of the antient 
Shipping of which Judge Winthrop gave me a copy by his penta- 
graph. In the museum there were large additions, Wedgewood & 
Bentley's imitations of the antient coins in their own ware, with 
great success. Gardner's present of the Medals, &c. of the late 
reigns & the old donations principally of small [140] & much in- 
jured pieces. The Kamschatsha voyage has added much to the ap- 
pearance, still it is a very imperfect collection. Several fine en- 
gravings are in the Philosophy Chamber, & that of the Virgin & the 
Babe, is not the least striking. In the Library there is an excellent 
portrait of the celebrated Cardinal Bentivoglio. 

22. I went in company with Judge Winthrop & Esq r Foxcroft, 
& servants to Governor's Island, the property of Judge Winthrop, 
to whose ancestor, the first Governor, it was given by the first set- 
tlers, & called the "Governor's Garden." In the course of the day 
I visited the Castle, & saw the 90 convictsof different ages at work 
in the Nail Manufactory. They are employed by a Ruggles & C° 
of Roxbury, to whom they are farmed by the State. There are no 
improvements on the Island. The Platforms are entirely unfit for 
use, & many Guns dismounted in want of carriages. The Pirate 
who was committed from Salem distinguishes himself by his in- 
genuity in making & rigging small ships which he sells at the ex- 
pense of a Strong curiosity. We were very politely received by 
Major Perkins, the Commander, & Capt Treat. Upon Governor's 
Island we found things had suffered from the drought, but great 
progressive improvements. The sods of the old fortification afford 
ed excellent manure [141] & refreshing showers, while we were 
there, ascertained we had little more to fear from the heat. It was 
remarked that the effluvia from the human body by fair experiment 
did render cheese, butter, &c. rancid, & that the custom of lodging 
in chambers with cheese, &c. was detrimental to the cheese, &c. 20 
head of cattle were on the Island at this time. We passed under 
Charles river Bridge, & near Boston side on account of the current, 
which is more directly through these piers, & less violent. 

23. From Cambridge I visited in company with J. Winthrop, 
the garden of Boston, Brookline. This little town of 50 families 
supplies a great part of the vegetation for that celebrated Market, 
& is in high cultivation. We found not Rev d Jackson at his house. 
We then visited M. Bethune at Little Cambridge. This farm is in 



1791] KEV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 270 

excellent order & the family has sustained a well deserved reputa- 
tion. Madam's true politeness made us happy, M r8 Duncan's ease 
made us wish to tarry longer, & Nancy's music defrauded us of 
more time than our engagement could let us spare. We passed to 
Watertown, & hy the M. Williams were introduced to the several 
water works of that place. The paper Mills were employed in the 
making of paper for the Blocks & Stamps used for Hangings, &c. 
[142] The Cutting of the Rags was performed by hand upon a 
block by a common Clever. The rags were dissolved in a large box 
supplied with water from the river, in which moved a cylinder, with 
iron bars at proper distances on its surface, three & three, which 
could come in contact with the sheers, or in case of washing only 
be seperated. The Sheers were thirteen pieces of iron of the length 
of the cylinder, rivited together, & a little open at top. The cylin- 
der was carried by a water wheel into a perpendicular wheel with 
rounds which went into the cogs of the wheels fixed to the cylinder. 
There were water works to raise the water. Above, the House was 
open with large frames for drying the paper. In the Fulling Mill 
the frames were of different construction, some were perpendicular, 
& others inclined in the old form. There was a rasping Mill which 
had a cylinder filled with jaws, & the wood was forced down upon 
the saws by a weight applied to a press at the upper end of the 
short logs cut for rasping. The execution was good & it is an arti- 
cle of exportation. "For five hundred pounds we found men en- 
gaged to deepen the River from the Bridge down to the distillery 
almost a quarter of a mile. They were to dig from 4 to 5 feet & 
on the Watertown side is to be a landing for the [143] whole length. 
It is nearly compleated at the expence of a company of eleven per- 
sons. There are other mills a few miles above at the Falls. I 
found at Watertown the Carduus Fulonum, or Teesle, planted with 
great success. It is biennial & raises the most excellent nap on 
Cloth. I brought away a specimen but it was lost before I arrived 
at home. I returned to Cambridge & dined with W. Winthrop 
Esq r who received us very politely. A trifling dispute upon the 
facts of the Crucifixion distroyed the enjoyment of this Scene. 
The farm of about 50 acres is in the highest cultivation. A very 
exact survey adorned the side of the Room in which we dined. In 
the afternoon I went to Boston. 

[July] 24. Sunday. I preached at the Chapel for M r Freeman. 
This particular situation ceases not to urge curiosity. In the even- 
ing I visited M r J. Barrel & was received with his usual elegance. 
D r Bulfinch was present, & an agreable circle of gentlemen & ladies. 
I returned at an hour which subjected me to be hailed by the Town 
guard, & which exercised the patience of my hospitable friend Dea- 
con Ridgeway. M r Barrel has the animal plant which I did not 
see this evening tho' in the Room. Had the pleasure of several 
very polite invitations. 



280 DIARY OP [1791 

25. Spent the day in attention to my Parents & kin- 
dred, & returned in the Stage to Salem. In the Stage I discovered 
all the painful effects of affectation from some S. Carolina gentry, 
bred from the humble families of New England, or some daring ad- 
ventures. 

Expences. To Secretary for signing, &c. 12 s / 

For Post Chaise to Dorchester, &c. 12/ 
For Chaise Seat to Cambridge, 2/ 

To T. Reed, for unknown debt, &c. 6/ 
Consider : to old Servants, 6/ 

Occasional expences, 6/ 6/ 

Subscript, to Belnap's History, 6/ 

To Chadwick for dieting, 6/8 

To My Mother given, 6/ 

To Stage one passage, 6/ 

To expences on return, &c. 4/ & lost, £4. 4. 

On Tuesday evening was a hearer of a M r Green in the Baptist 
Meeting house, with little entertainment. The Thunder & Light- 
ening which followed the late heat, was attended with damage in 
many places. It struck above 50 times in Bridgewater, & in differ- 
ent places has killed Cattle, Sheep, burned Barns, &c. M r Win- 
throp favoured me with a plan of his proceedings in examining the 
Sandwich canal. He finds the [145] distance will be 7 miles. 
The entrance from Buzzard's Bay will be between Wareham great 
hill & Wenormuck Neck, at two miles distance. His soundings 
were from Wenormuck neck to Back river, 12, 24, 19, 9, 7 1-2, 10, 
12 1-2, 13 feet. Channel between Mashee Island, & Tobey's Island, 
18 feet, & then 13, 12, 11 1-2, 7, 8, to Back river at low water three 
miles. There is no harbour in Barnstable Bay. He is soon to ex- 
amine the proposed Barnstable Canal below, crossing from the Hy- 
anus into an inlet near Yarmouth. The distance is not five miles. 
The whole appears to him a speculation only. 

[146] 26. In coming out of Cambridge river we made Channel 
way by steering for the North Church, & then after clearing the 
point to bring the Old south Steeple over the granary. The Pond 
at Cambridge has become a common resort, & the house near it is 
very well accommodated to receive parties of pleasure. The Road 
between Brooklyne & Little Cambridge is greatly repaired since my 
last visit to it. The estates have shifted owners on this road, & in 
the neighbourhood. In Lynn they have raised an house for the 
Methodists, & the issue of the rupture may probably be very unfa- 
vorable to M 1 ' Parsons. While I was in Boston the Methodistic 
method of conversion was attempted in the second Baptist Church 
by the Pastor, a Whitefieldian lately arrived & a person unknown. 
They were preaching together in the isles of the Church, & this is 
the first example within my memory. I do not find upon my return 



1791] EBV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 281 

that the difficulty of an exchange encreases with either party, & 
hope that the door is so far open, as to admit a ready entrance to 
any person. Indeed it is but the form of an episcopal church, but 
it is the form at which the world looks more than at any thing else. 
[147] 27. This afternoon I took a ride with my M. S' Marie, & 
a daughter of C. J. Mason jun 1 " 8 to Brown's Farm. I find the old 
Tenant dispossessed, whose fault seems to have been intemperance, 
& he has removed to Marblehead, I suspect not to correct it. A 
Williams is the present Tenant, but the farm did not look better. 
The beach afforded us a delightful walk, the Orchard is old, but 
formed a fine shade. The brook opposite to the house was dry, but 
the hill beyond, just at sun down gave a distant view of Salem & 
Marblebead, & the entrance to their respective harbours. The bay 
in full view was alive with small craft. The Light house of Boston 
displayed its white Cone, & a wood on the west bounded our pros- 
pect of Lynn. We returned by Gardner's Mills, & went by Pick- 
man's farm. As we returned the distance exceeded a mile. 

28. Saw an Alligator, said to have been brought from Jamaica, 
& shewn for a penny in the streets. He measures 8 feet 4 inches. 
That in the museum at Cambridge is said to measure 4 f e 6 inches. 
He is 3 feet in circumference over the chest. In the afternoon ac- 
companied M r Elbridge Gerry, Member of Congress from Middle- 
sex, with his wife's sister, Miss Helena Thompson, & M rs Fiske & 
Nany round the Square. After Tea at Phippen's, spent a pleasant 
evening at Capt Allen's, with a Cousin of his wife & her Husband 
with some enjoyment in the excellent watermellons of their Carolina 
Climate. The Name, Van Norton. 

29. Employed myself diligently in endeavouring to Muster up 
my little knowledge of Italian, to read the several authors carefully, 
in my possession. The day was warm & the little parties swarmed at 
the places of public amusement. Yesterday the intended Beacon at 
Baker's Island was raised by a large & jovial party of our Mariners. 
It is to be forty feet in height. Every exertion of this nature is to 
be considered as favorable to the public happiness, & as a source of 
our good hopes for the improvement of our navigation. 

30. Entertained by a curious Captain Patrick Blake, who told 
the story of his Pilot Nutting falling over board drunk & having 
hold of the Tiller rope was, by bringing to, suddenly thrown into 
the wake of the Vessel, & while they were anxiously fearing least 
he should be sunk, without saying a word, he was climbing up the 
side of the Vessel, & after his obtaining the deck was cursing the 
loss of an old hat. Such an example of intemperance is one of the 
many proofs of its effect upon the understanding. Capt. Andrews. 

[149] [July] 31. Sunday. Notes. B. Nourse, death of his Child. 
M r B. Manning jun 1 *, death of his Mother, above 80, in Ipswich. 
These notes of the last Sunday, in my absence. Notes of the day. 
John Gunnison & wife, for her delivery & prayers for his Mother 



282 DIARY OF [1791 

deprived of reason. A time of general Health. Last Sunday 
D r Stillman preached in the old Church at Marblehead with great 
applause. The Clergy count their preachers to allay the ferments, 
which they only serve to increase. M r T. F. Oliver has returned 
from his excursion into the interior parts of New York State. It 
was observed of the Bp. of New York, that he did not give his 
blessing with the dignity of the Bp. of Counecticut. That he gave 
it as if he was ashamed of what he was doing. We have news that 
Master Belcher Noyes, who removed two years since from this 
Town, died at Savannah. He was deceived in his prospects, & was 
very reluctant in tarrying at Beaufort, from whence he removed to 
return to New England. 

[150] August 1, 1791. News of the death of President Man- 
ning, at Providence. He has long been the President of their Col- 
lege, was the Baptist Preacher, possessed a fine person, & was 
entitled to the public esteem. A curious disorder has attacked sev- 
eral persons near Boston, thus represented to me. A M r Munro of 
Lexington was seized by a sudden swelling of the head, & after a 
few days died without pain. A person at Charlestown was seized 
in the same manner, & died. Upon examination, the cellular mem- 
brane was affected, & the disorder passing over it, terminated in a 
gangrene. Another example has occurred we are told at Roxbury. 

2. M r Smith, the Preceptor at Dummer Academy was with me. 
I find an Alexander of Mendon, has published an answer to Emlyn's 
Extracts, which have before been published, & were answered by 
D r Burr, President of Yale College. The Orthodox boast much that 
this piece of Burr silenced, & some pretend convinced Mayhew, & 
they doubt not that it will have the same present effects. Mayhew 
wrote afterwards in a manner, which shews he did not change his 
opinions, & it becomes the Unitarians on this occasion to shew that 
they are able to defend themselves. 

[151] 3. By diverse reports I hear that several of the associa- 
tion, Payson, &c. will not attend at the Rev d Parsons' at Lynn, nor 
concur in the exchange, & that the Clerk has informed M r Parsons 
that he must make no preparation. It is said also that a letter was 
sent by M. Parsons to a woman directing her to conceal his free- 
doms, of which letter some account has been lately obtained. Ne 
crede colori. My fondness for the water may betray me into indis- 
cretions if I am not very well guarded. All persons do not view 
such pleasures in the same favorable light. Attended this after- 
noon M rs Underwood, a woman of very uncommon size, supposed 
to be dying. While in her disorder her mind was deranged. I found 
she recalled not her sleeping thoughts, but her awake ones. 

4. Impelled by curiosity I went to hear a visiting Quaker, or 
Priend, from Philadelphia. His name was given Scattergood. 
After a long silence he began. He reached his subject in half an 
hour, & recommended silence. It was to the soul as sleep to the 



1791] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 283 

body. It is then to be imagined total silence is profound sleep 
without thought, & without use. He touched upon perfection not 
in the Scriptures, but he was, to use his own phrase, here very 
muddy. He closed however with a most charitable sentiment to- 
wards Christians of all denominations. 

[152] 5. Received a Subscription Paper for Hazlitt's Sermons 
which I signed. They are to be in two volumes unbound, at the 
expence of 10/6 sterling. Was informed by Rev d Story that 
Rev d Parsons of Lynn had brought his affairs to a solemn crisis. 
It seems previously to the council he had sent a written paper to a 
M rB Batchelor from whom he prayed the concealment of every inter- 
course between herself & him. The knowledge of this paper is 
now public. Dans le Commencement a Cambridge, Freres Bernard, 
Story, &c. enquireront, a la verite de ce report dans la conversation 
avec M. Parsons. II denie tout comme une conte malicieuse. II 
dirige les pretres a Hussy, un ami, un voisin, de la secte de Quakers 
pour information. II declare que il ne croira pas. Dans la con- 
ference ils se determinent aller a la femme, & ouir a sa bouche. Elle 
declare la premiere report £tait sans foundation dans plusieurs 
choses. lis demandent derive t'il une lettere, pour celer aucune 
chose. Elle r^ponde, non [pas] une lettere, mais un escrit quarre* 
sign£, non f ernie\ A qui cette lettere. Une autre affaire cela £tait 
ind^cente, ou licentieuse ? Cela 6tait. Ami Hussey confesse sa sur- 
prise. II Verite a F. B. et remande [demand ?] sa lettere. Tout 
est en confusion. La Association est mand^e convener a la Maison 
de M. Parsons dans Lynne. Tout refusent. II a n£glig£, &c. I 
know not what can be done. The methodists have already divided 
the parish, & their agreement is not to be expected. 

[153] 6. Saturday. Enquiries respecting the colours most 
proper to apply to a Beacon to be seen at the greatest distance. 
White being the absence of colour, & so a contrast to all other 
colours has been generally approved. But it is supposed that an illu- 
mined horison will not transmit it defined so well with white, as the 
darker colours. The presumption that white is not so well defined 
upon a Sky Horizon has induced the persons who have erected the 
late Beacon to chuse a deep red colour. The question which colour 
will be of most use through the changes of the sky, seems not at- 
tended to. The argument from a bright horizon is more attended 
to than an approach in the night or the land horizon, in which 
white has been supposed to have an advantage. I have observed 
no facts. 

[Aug.] 7. Sunday. Notes. Sarah Underwood for herself danger- 
ously sick, & her two sons at Sea. We had no singing either in the 
morning or evening services. Two men singers came, & several 
women, but they would not undertake. M r Ward sung at the com- 
munion, & we have never failed in this part of our services. The 



284 DIARY OF [1791 

expence has been great, & I regret that I shall be obliged to recant 
all I have against organs from mere necessity. 

[154] 8. Went with a party to Baker's Island, to bring away 
the tools, materials, &c. which remained after the finishing of the 
Beacon. We were in a deep fog on our passage down, but we hit 
the island most exactly. The Beacon is 57 feet to the top of the 
Ball, of two feet diameter, & the Ball is painted black, except a 
part on the top which was neglected & remains white. The Body 
is conical & upon a diameter of nineteen feet, to the altitude of 10 
feet is formed a convenient room. The door is on the south, nar- 
row, & painted red, as is the building, but the battens at the door, 
white, that it might more easily be found. The window with a 
shutter is on the east, a foot square, & there is no other provision 
made for ventilating it. Of this I complained but we attempted in 
vain to get into the dead flat projection of the head, of one foot, 
into which many holes ought to have been made. The projection 
of the head was to have been round, but as there were objections to 
clapboarding, it was shingled, & so is reduced to an octagon form 
like the Cone of the Building, & each length of shingling into so 
many small projections, amounting to four. It has an awkward 
effect. The whole is a generous & otherwise well executed design. 
The foundation stones are very miserably laid. Upon the island, I 
traversed the whole, there are a few miserable remains of the 
House which was in good order since I can well remember. [155] 
The Barn has left its sills, & the top entire stands upon the naked 
posts. From the house, northeasterly a few rods, are the remains of 
the well, & along the stone wall, which crosses the island, near the 
barn, till you reach the eastern shore & then find the spring of ex- 
cellent water, which supplies the cattle. Our amusement was to 
form a raft of spars, boards, &c. to bring off the shingles, waste 
boards, ropes, &c, a full load & we enjoyed the employment tho' a 
wet one. We were without tinder, & to remedy the defect we 
rubbed a piece of pine coal, till we reached the part not entirely 
charred, & we had desirable success. A plenty of fish & fine appe- 
tites. We observed the channel between Eagle Island, & the Goose- 
berries, entering between Baker's Island & Hardy Bocks. Eagle 
Island is said to have contained, a few years since, 4 acres of mow- 
ing land, & three acres are said to be upon Nahant Bock. Coney 
Island has but one & 1/2, of little use, the grass being very coarse, 
& the soil stoney. The Gooseberries have a little verdure with fine 
effect. And the Bank of Eagle Island being covered with verdure, 
& of a sudden slope, has a very good effect. We returned & landed 
at sun down, with M r Wards boat, at his Wharf. Our Commander 
was Capt B. West, & Capt W. Patterson, our Crew, Capts Elkins & 
Chipman, with the Carpenters & Servants, six in number. We 
went with pleasure, & returned pleased. 





•' 



memory of t^Jgs* 
Rev 'd JMaxh an Hoyr AM%J 
pa Tier of rhe'^ ; ..church vn 
f^a ; pv<?J^ who' Te^edv f roiri his'^ 



; ' la^OTj. Alio' 'JCT7QQ. 

' ■ •'. ■•■; ** , -l ~ ,■•?-. 

\ : in't.he 68r .yp3r ofhis aye 

•?*"*» .(afil*'"!*^-. VyT --.j,'-- ••••.'.••■«H> 

I K*15 c^ajracr^fpTwian. ^sS^&tfjdi 




'<* 



He 1 ived Ixjl oved A <\ i ed J#t 



<**? 






%i^jmirt$g£>c 



%>%#m 



GRAVESTONE OF REV. NATHAN HOLT. 
In the Old Burying Ground, Peabody. 



1791] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 285 

[156] 9. M r Ballard from Lynn told me that Parsons reported 
directly from the mouth of Forbes of Cape Ann, that my people had 
deserted me. The reputable altogether, & only a few inferior people 
still adhered to me. The character of Forbes forbids me to inquire 
into the authority of such an infamous report. Such are the orthodox 
means of removing, or injurying heretics. This Forbes wrote re- 
marks on my sermon to circulate among his own people. A dis- 
honest, ignorant fellow. An entire silence on such occasions is most 
prudent for the sufferer, great circumspection, & contempt of such 
infamous characters. 

10. Took a walk with Rev d Bernard into Danvers. Found out 
the opinions of Forbes & others, & was well satisfied with my discov- 
eries. Our association hangs upon a very slender thread. At present 
my seperation from it would be certain, could I persuade some of 
my friends to acquiesce in the measure. I am uncertain whether 
to engage in the trinitarian controversy. I have few friends to as- 
sist me, powerful opposers, no interest to support the expence, & 
yet am afraid & ashamed of petty pamphlets from England reprinted. 

[157] 11. I imagine the foundation of the report of Forbes. 
Sometime since in the heat of M r Diman's controversy for his 
Father's salary, several persons gave out that they would take pews 
at the Episcopal church in order to save them from the Taxes re- 
covered by M r Diman. Whether they ever did, is a fact to me un- 
known. Yesterday, died an amiable young woman, wife of Clerk 
Osgood,* at 21 years of age. I feel yet little of the Philosopher. 
Little reports are yet sufficient to ruffle me, & while this is the case 
I can promise myself little from firmness in the hour of danger. 

12. Find some confirmation of Franklin's observation upon in- 
digestion being the principal cause of taking colds or the obstruc- 
tions so called. For several nights after irregular stools, & a some- 
what costive habit, I had pain in the head, especially on a heated 
pillow. After being free from this habit, the water in no form could 
produce any ill effects whatever. D r Franklin's Theory will free 
me from many doubts, & teach me on what part to apply my lessons. 
Temperance is the best physic. Little is to be feared from the 
changes of the air, &c. with it. [158] The first printing press erec- 
ted in America, was at Cambridge, Massachusetts, by M r Samuel 
Green, in the year 1638. The first work printed was the Freeman's 
Oath — the next an almanack made for New England by M r Pierce, 
Mariner, & then the Psalms, newly turned into metre. Gazette Wor. 
This beginning is preferable to the printing in Syria mentioned by 
Volney. The oath, & the almanack were the guide of life & business, 
& the psalms an honest aim at an independant church & an original 
version. The Volumes of Monkery cannot compare with this exer- 
tion. Had information that the association formed in & about New- 
bury, had agreed to evangelize. The plan is, that the parish of the 

•Isaac Osgood, Clerk of the Courts, who afterwards removed to Andover. 



286 DIARY OF [1791 

evangelist elect should be supplied during his absence, without any 
charge to him. That he should go into any towns or settlements 
in which were no ordained ministers & should receive no pecuniary 
reward. That his necessary expences should be paid by the asso- 
ciation. We are told that the Rev David Tappan is the first ap- 
pointed to this office. It is a designed counterpart to Methodism, 
but it promises not better consequences in proportion as the specu- 
lations are not so harmless, &c. [159] The funeral of M rs Osgood, 
very respectably attended. The Business of Singing School again 
absorbes a portion of time. Some unhappy disputes respecting as- 
pertions cast upon some characters, which are useful characters. 
Mankind sometimes seem as if they were disposed not to be obliged. 

13. The Funding System engages the public attention, & the 
people are as mad at Funding as in Lotteries, & other Schemes, 
which have lately been offered to their consideration. A Brother 
Clergyman upon 17 shares in the Bank has cleared above 3,000 dol- 
lars. The Adventurers are full of joy, the disappointed of distraction. 
I had a dispute whether the Clergy are beneficial from their poverty 
or riches. I held that history has shewn that their wealth has in 
all forms been their corruption. That they do not grow corrupt with 
the state, but as they grow rich with it. That they cannot be so 
useful to the poor, as when their method of life leads them among 
the lowest orders of men. That the concurrence of wealth ought to 
be from the sentiment of the rich & not the actual wealth of the 
Clergy. That the mediocrity should be their utmost aim. 

[160] [Aug.] 14. Sunday. Benjamin Henderson, sick. Notes. 
A very pleasant day. At the wedding I observed that no persons 
of the family were present, but they who attend public worship. 
The others were offended without assigning any particular reasons, 
& conduct in their domestic concerns, as they do in regard to the 
social institutions with a strange caprice & perverseness. 

15. Notre Francois rode out of Town last Sunday. I reprehended 
him. This practice has now attained very generally to ride out of 
Town. I know not the resort but it probably may have great effects 
on manners. New England has been remarkable in my day for the 
most careful observance of Sunday. It is not easy to determine 
which upon the whole is the most salutary method, but it is com- 
monly observed that a thoughtless triumph over old restraints in- 
dicates an injury to the moral principle. Much is probably owing 
to association in our feelings on such subjects & yet much to justice 
when innovations are made & no useful end proposed. We have a 
Tything man with his staff, the only one thus paraded in the Town, 
but his office is to preserve good order in times of service, & to re- 
strain children from too great liberties in the Street. 

[161] 16. At M r Prince's saw his several machines for viewing 
Landscapes with great effect. Bank Stock is not in so high demand 



1791] BEV. WILLIAM BENTLBY 287 

as formerly. From 240 & above it has been down, it is said to 120, &c. 
The Corn flourishing but rain necessary for the grass. Several pro- 
jections for moving into the Province of Maine to Portland, Ma- 
chias, & the lower eastern shore. The rapid settlements form in- 
ducements to enterprising young men, H. White, H. Elkins, R. 
Derby. A Swede, Johnson, an ingenious Mechanic, projects a plan 
of settling at Whitefield above Lancaster on the Connecticut about 
4 miles from the river. Several proprietors in this Town. 130 miles 
from Salem. 

17. After the mention of the Sandwich & Barnstable Canal, & 
the carrying of the Charles into a communication with the Con- 
necticut, in the province of Maine it is mentioned to open a Canal 
from Lake Sebago into Presumpscot River, & obtain a navigation 
of 50 miles by digging 20 rods. Four townships are said to be on 
the Lake, & immense forests. The Lake is 40 miles from Portland 
inland, & the country settling fast. 

[162] 18. After dinner with Capt Strout & others in M r Derby's 
Boat I went to see Cat Island. The wind was not very favorable, 
& we had the more time for observation. Kettle Bottom was said 
to lay off Peach's point towards Black rock. The Endeavours, 
Rocks always under water with 4 feet at the lowest ebb, are found 
by bring [ing] Black Rock in the wake of Cat Island, so as to see 
the Island on each side & to bring a House on Marblehead between 
Peach's Point & Nogg's Head in a Hollow, over a rock laying at the 
entrance of that Hollow, & the Endeavours are then within you. 
We passed on the eastern side of Black Rock & returned on the 
western. It is about half way between Cat Island & Peach's Point, 
& from the Island to the Point is a mile & 1/2. Black rock is bold 
too, except on the inner side there is a little rock under water at full 
tide a few feet from the main body. We arrived at 5 o'clock at Cat 
Island, & not venturing near the shore on account of the surf we 
engaged a Marblehead skiff to land us on the beach. The beach is 
high, not of so large stones as at Baker's Island & not so long, & 
forms a point. The length of the Island is about N. W. & S. E. 
It is a very rocky Shore, but contains from 15 to 20 acres of good 
pasture land, of easy access, & not much mixed with rocks. On the 
1ST. W. end is the place of the Smoak house, when this Island was used 
for a Hospital for inoculation of the Small Pox [163] about 19 
years since. The Hospital is towards the other end just before you 
arrive at the Rocky & Lofty Head. The Cellar is yet whole upon 
which the Hospital was built. The Cellar was only under the N. End. 
This Building fell a sacrifice to the popular fury soon after it was 
erected. It was burnt by the people of Marblehead upon some sup- 
posed indiscretions. There is a well open of considerable depth, 
but there was no water. There is a spring for the cattle at this 
part & about 10 head now upon it. From the top of the Rocky head 
we had a very extensive prospect of the south Shore, Nahant Head 



288 diary op [1791 

ScRocks, Tinker's Island, Ram Island, the Rock of Marblehead, which 
I have visited, which is at one third of the distance from Marble- 
head Neck, the whole above one mile's distance. The Rock called 
Satan was off between us & Half Way Rock. The Gooseberries were 
well distinguished, Baker's Island, Dry Breakers, & nearest to us 
Eagle Island, between which & the Gooseberries is the Channel into 
Marblehead, from the entrance between Baker's Island & the Misery. 
I had not time for a particular examination, but the soil of this 
Island appeared better than that of any of the Islands. The Rocks 
on all sides are above it, & it is rendered rich by this situation. I 
is said that there are several springs, which I had not time to explore 
& the present being a dry season. We returned at low ebb, & ran 
aground & hence were obliged to wade ashore upon the flats. [164] 
Beyond the S. E. or Rocky Head, & in the line of the Islands, are 
two other heads of nearly the same projection & trending from the 
Island in the line of the Island itself, & form a curious appearance. 
On the S. side about the middle of the Island, are three other steep 
rocks & high, tho' not in any proportion to the former. Two of 
them are connected with the body of the island by the necks, which 
appear upon the ebb. The other stands bold up, but within these 
two & south of them. The beach is upon the N. W. side & in a di- 
rect course from Peach's point, & the Black Rock. The Black Rock 
is not so high as Marblehead & Nahant rocks, which are of very con- 
siderable elevation. Black Rock, is about 20 feet above high water 
mark, which is more than Satan. Halfway Rock is high. 

19. John Forbes, who went with Capt Strout from this port in 
December last, as a mate, was by orders from M r Derby dismissed 
in Virginia & another person sent out to take his place. Whatever 
was the cause, the Captain under whom he served had no complaint. 
But the effect was supposed to be a voluntary death as he was 
found drowned in the river, without the knowledge of any accidental 
cause which could occasion it. He has left a wife, lately delivered. 
At present I have but very imperfect knowledge of the event, & its 
circumstances & must enquire. 

[165] 20. In regard to J. Forbes, Capt Strout informed me that 
in the month of February last, he stripped himself near the River, 
putting his cloathes upon a bush & writing upon his shoes, bury me, 
I have left enough. He was found naked. He was a man, a for- 
eigner, & addicted to intemperance, upon which account he was 
probably dismissed. Two men confined upon suspicion, according 
to report, were to have been sent to Boston. The report drew a 
concourse towards the house of Confinement. As we have had few 
public days we observe how readily people, especially children, have 
their curiosity excited, & pursue the pleasure of chearful & indis- 
criminate association. In the afternoon I attended their examina- 
tion & found that under various names, with a woman of ill fame 
they had passed through the Town. They were conveyed out of 



1791] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 289 

Town "by the order of the Selectmen in a large wooden cage, con- 
structed for the purpose & now first used. It is wide enough for 
the body of a cart about 10 feet long, & 12 feet high, with slats 
crossing each other, & seats on each side. The children had high 
enjoyment in the passing of the cage through the Town. The Vag- 
abonds were put down at the Bell. This evening I was informed 
that Forbes was a man of small powers, & had left our worship for 
several years & joined the new lights. It was no small consolation 
to receive such information, as superstition would have made a 
cruel application to a Liberal Society. 

[166] [Aug.] 21. Sunday. Notes. Elizabeth Parsons, for deliv- 
ery, death of her twins, & for her Husband at Sea. Capt Hosmer 
assured me that Warden, an English Sailor, who has acquired an 
handsome property, but was enticed by an infamous House called 
Newton's & was in a delirium taken from it, was sent by M r Gray 
on board his vessel, as a foremast hand, & that a few nights after 
his departure from this Port, he cut his throat, but being alarmed 
ceased time enough to save his life. He reports the superstition of 
his crew, & their fear of the unhappy man. Hosmer has brought 
him home again & at present he is quiet. The man pretends to be 
bewitched, &c. This was begun in the base house above mentioned. 
This day died a Physician in this town, named Plummer,* who re- 
moved from Cape Ann, in which place his Father had been a Physi- 
cian. He was a bold Experimentalist, pronounced a good Surgeon, 
read in the Theory, but capricious in the practice of physic. In 
the last part of life an intemperate man. With his last habits he 
converted from a Universalist to a Deist, & died in a Consumption, 
aet. 35. 

[167] 22. Gave Capt Richard Derby a memorandum to purchase 
for me Baden's Danish & Latin Dictionary, & a German Review, 
first part, both published 1788, with a particular discription from 
Mem. Book. M r Homer with me from Newton, who is in Town 
with several Ladies travelling towards Portsmouth. M r B. Chever 
was bruised by a fall from his Horse last week. M r S. Chever ar- 
rived last week from Maine. 

t 23. Went to the Beverley Manufacture with M r Homer. Found 
more hands employed than ever, & the machines all in motion. +" We 
spent a few hours with Rev. Oliver, & found the progress of the 
Methodists in this quarter alarming to the good parson. We re- 
turned before noon. This evening was introduced to a M r Holmes, 
Son in Law to D r Stiles, t & a M r Osgood. The D r 's character as an 
Antiquarian renders the Americans solicitous for an acquaintance 
on that account. Capt Allen has advertised his House, Wharf, Pew, 
&c. I have never heard any conversation on the subject. Such was 
the conduct of Derby & Fiske, without the least change of their 

•Dr. Joshua Plummer, 1756-1791. 

tDr. Ezra Stiles, President of Yale College. 



290 DIARY OF [1791 

life, or arrangements. [168] In the Gazette was a Dialogue, with- 
out wit, & without truth on the subject of the Cage of last Satur- 
day. This enquiry is made purposely to alarm prejudices, & rep- 
resent the measure as arbitrary. But the Gentlemen proceeded on 
the following facts. Repeated complaints that these persons had 
entered very many shops, enquired for articles, bought some of very 
little value, asked where they kept their money, whether they could 
change money, &c. Upon an attempt to enter a house, two men 
were pursued & upon a light being seen in the house, in which 
these men were found, the pursuers entered. The woman in their 
company was then disfigured by the blows given by these men, for 
ligh[t]ing the candle. The woman passed as a wife first, & then de- 
nied it, & was of ill fame, pregnant, & confessed herself enticed to 
come with these men. The men confessed they had changed their 
names from Parker to Wall, to Butler, from Bulkley, &c. Under 
examination the woman came with her hands filled with blood to 
complain of a violent blow she had received from her pretended 
husband, & with her nose running with blood, upon a second cor- 
rection. If such facts do not justify the proceedings against the 
company, what are sufficient ! [169] Noise enough has been made 
that our streets were full of beggars, not of our own growth. The 
streets have been cleared, & to keep them so, the Cage has been in- 
vented. The complaint is now charged against the Officers of the 
Town for doing their duty. 

24. Dans le Volume 26e me . Je ai certaines marques, pour ap- 
prendre les actions de la charite non pour la gloire, mais pour la 
certitude de la nombre selon mes affaires. En cette place par la 
change des Letters. Je ai il rendu difficile pour distinguer les per- 
sonnes. En peu de temps Je crains la ostentation, & cesser faire 
les marques. Je repent ma irresolution et determine commencer 
a ce temps- ci. Je tenerai les marques des occasions, mais non des 
noms. Je trouverai a ta page 347. M r Osgood came & dined with 
me, & we rode to the Neck & fort in the afternoon. In the evening 
I had the company of Madam Poynton,* & Miss Ives at M r B. 
Webb's. We visited at Sundown the new walk of M r Briggs' & 
found him adding 300 feet to the present Building. His land gives 
him 150 fathom X 6 = 900 feet, but not length enough for his 
Cables. Some bustle & competition will probably arise about the 
Schoolmasters in this Parish. The exertions of a Quaker to sup- 
plant are not without support. 

[170] 25. A most delightful rain. But we are assured that 
many crops have suffered in the eastern country. The Ohio adven- 
turers are notified of a meeting. Speculations in their lands are 
not so popular as at first. Many are selling out, & few are ready 
purchasers. The Lands in Vermont & Maine rise in value consid- 
erably. 

*Widow of Thomas Poynton, the loyalist. She lived in " the Pineapple House." 




n °--o 



a, O 
5 E 



1791] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 291 

26. Upon reading Gilpin's Passage of the Herrings who are 
said to leave the north of Europe in winter, & be within 40 degrees 
of the Sun, Capt Hodges assured me that the Herring Fishery in 
Sweden, particularly Gotheburg, was in the ice, & winter. Can 
this be the grand Fishery. Delivered the Printer some remarks on 
the last publication in regard to the Cage, with an intent to take 
off the force of prejudice against him in that publication. The 
printer came & introduced the subject, & asked the publication as 
a private gratification. A Miss Appleton, a daughter of John Ap- 
pleton Esq 1- , of this Town is to be buried this afternoon. The 
public conversation engaged by the reports that the King of France 
& Family had attempted to leave the Kingdom, that the National 
Assembly sat day & night till they were overtaken & brought back. 

[171] 27. Mecum proposui nunquam inter fseminas me collo- 
cuturum esse, de usu aquarum lavando, &c. Memento. The heat 
continued & for three days has been great. Our Melons & Market 
Fruit supplied plentifully. 

[Aug.] 28. Sunday. Baptised a person, being no other witness, 
as Philip did the Eunuch. M r Hurd of Charlestown was with us 
this day. Must endeavour to form such distinguished part, as will 
support my particular opinions, & the weaker the support from 
without, the greater exertions. 

29. At M r W. Gray's request I undertook to convey in Newhall's 
Coach three young Frenchmen to the Dummer Academy under the 
care of the Reverend Isaac Smith. Their names were Barrett, 
Bonneville, & Morin, all of Martinico, & addressed to M r Gray. 
We arrived at 11 at the Academy. Just before there had been two 
french youth from Newbury Port, but the disputes became so high 
from the turbulent temper of one of them, as to throw the whole 
Academy into confusion. The youth had this day retired, & the 
alarm was yet in all its violence from the bold threatenings of the 
french youth. After a fair representation I engaged a M r Hale to 
receive them, & the Preceptor [172] admitted them members of the 
Academy. The common price of board p r week is 6/, of Tuition 
one. There are above 300 acres of lands laying within the Arms 
of Parker River, which constitutes the foundation of Governor 
Dummer, & forms the principal support of the Preceptor. The 
Mansion House is a bold object, & is put into good repair. The 
rooms are divided very unequally, but from their height, & connec- 
tion with a large entry, do not fail of a very good effect. The Acad- 
emy is repaired, & the whole forms a good object. Tho' the Build- 
ing is not equal to Andover, the Group is as pleasing. I dined 
with the Preceptor, and after 3 o'clock set out on my return. I 
found at Rowley the meeting House filled with people, & upon en- 
quiry, I learnt that a M. Milton, a pupil of Lady Huntington, was 
to make the prayer and a M r James, a noted travelling Methodist, 
was to preach. We should not imagine our boasted liberality was 



292 DIARY OF [1791 

real, if we should see the country upon a particular scale. On our 
return towards Wenham, we saw the three fine boys which came a 
few years since at a birth, sporting together on the side of the road. 
We did not know this circumstance of their birth, till their good 
manners made us enquire after them of the Coachman. We reached 
Salem at Sundown, & was informed on the road, that the French 
youth Duval de Monville, who had lived with me, had died not 
long since. The information is said to be by a Brother at Newbury. 
[173] 30. This day we were entertained with the first public 
method to propagate Methodism in our vicinity. It was in the 
form of an advertisement, which I have copied from the Gazette. 
" Just received & to be sold by Benjamin Johnson of Lynn, a 
number of valuable Books, published by the Methodists, containing 
many useful pieces on practical & polemic divinity, as well as the 
principles & form of church government. The price of the Books 
are as follows. 

The Arminian Magazine, £. s. 9 d.S 

Westley's Notes on the New Testament in 3 Vols., 13 « 8 

The Experiences of many of the Methodist Preachers, 4 « 6 

Forms of Discipline, 3 " 

Christian Patterns, 1 " 8 

Hymn Book, 3 " 

Westley's Physic Books, 2 « 5 

The first Volume of the most excellent works of that 

pious & judicious divine the Rev d Mr. Fletcher, 4 " 6 

Also a few Pamphlets viz* 

The History of the Methodists, 1 " 

An excellent defence of Infant Baptism, " 8 

Instructions for children, " 5 

Any person that wishes to be acquainted with the Methodists 

may apply for their Books, as directed above : And those who wish 

to hear them preach may attend at their new Church, erected in 

Lynn, on the Lord's day. And if it is desired, they will preach in 

any of the neighboring Towns on other days. Lynn, August 24, 

1791." 

[174] M r Thayer in his answer to Leslie in the gazette, closes 
with the remark, " Knowing that the works of the Fathers, especial- 
ly the genuine editions, are scarcely to be found in these states." 
I wrote several queries to be communicated to the Printer on that 
passage. Had an opportunity in visiting Kate, [wife] of Bob 
Freeman to see the force of superstition upon ignorance & affection. 
Prayers without ceasing, whose utmost gratitude was for speaking 
again, when she had never been deprived of speech, tongue rolled 
round the mouth, vociferous, refusing to answer, as tho' too much 
engaged by devotion & yet break off suddenly to drink, or when any 
advantage was taken by novelty, to change her thoughts. Such is 
this contemptible affection to heaven. 



1791] REV. WILLIAM BBNTLEY 293 

31. I had information that my eldest sister Dawes was deliv- 
ered, but had lost her child of an hard labour. Have hitherto 
observed my purpose in regard to silence about my hobby-horse. 
Received a Letter of invitation to dine with the Militia Officers on 
Tuesday next. They had sent their resignations, but the Governor 
said that to disband a whole regiment upon mere request Was not 
his duty to the State, he therefore begged them to continue their 
services for one year longer. The Officers upon presumption of 
their dismission had distroyed their uniforms but apply again more 
chearfully, than could be expected. [175] Disposal of the third 
Impression of my Catachism, & the fifth of Select Hymns. Three 
Hymns are added to this Impression. 

4. N. Richardson. 6. M. Babbidge. 

2. B. Crownin shield. 4. M r Rowell. 

2. G. Smith. 3. Jon a Mason jun r 

3. J. Pratt. 1. Patterson. 

3. B. Chever. 2. Prince. 

4. B. Hodges. 2. S. Ropes. 
2. C. Babbidge. 3. J. Collins. 
4. Capt Ford. 4. J° Hodges. 

[176] September 1. D r Franklin upon Chimneys observes, " some 
are as much afraid of fresh air, as persons in the hydrophobia are 
of fresh water. I myself had formerly this prejudice, this aero- 
phobia, as I now account it, and dreading the supposed dangerous 
effects of cool air, I considered it as an enemy, & closed with ex- 
treme care every crevice in the rooms I inhabited. Experience has 
convinced me of ray error. I now look upon fresh air as a friend. 
I even sleep with an open window. I am persuaded that no com- 
mon air from without, is so unwholesome as the air within a close 
room that has often been breathed & not changed. Moist air too, 
which formerly I thought pernicious , gives me now no apprehen- 
sions. For considering that no dampness of air applied to the 
outside of my skin, can be equal to what is applied to, & touches it 
within, my whole body being full of moisture, & finding that I can 
be two hours in a bath twice a week, covered with water, which 
certainly is much damper than any air can be, & this for years 
together, without catching cold, or being in any other manner dis- 
ordered by it, I no longer dread mere moisture, either in air, or in 
sheets, or shirts. And I find it of importance to the happiness of 
life, the being freed from vain terrors, especially of objects that we 
are every day exposed inevitably to meet with. You physicians 
have of late happily discovered, after a contrary opinion had pre- 
vailed some ages, that fresh & cool air does good, to persons in the 
small pox & other fevers. It is to be hoped that in another centu- 
ry or two we may all find out, that it is not bad even for people in 
health. [177] And as to moist air, here I am at this present writ- 



294 DIARY OF [1791 

ing in a ship with above forty persons, who have had no other but 
moist air to breathe for six weeks past ; everything we touch is 
damp & nothing dry, yet we are all as healthy as we should be on 
the mountains of Switzerland, where inhabitants are not more so 
than those of Bermuda or S* Helena, islands on whose rocks the 
waves are dashed into millions of particles, which fill the air with 
damp, but produce no diseases, the moisture being pure, unmixed 
with poisonous vapours arising from putrid marshes & stagnant 
pools, in which many insects die & corrupt the water. These places 
only in my opinion (which I however submit to you, Ingenhaust) 
afford unwholesome air, & that it is not the mere water contained, 
in damp air, but the volatile particles of corrupted animal matter 
mixed with that water, which renders such air pernicious to those 
who breath it. And I imagine it a cause of the same kind that 
renders the air in close rooms, where the perspirable matter is 
breathed over & over again, by a number of assembled people, so 
hurtful to health. After being in such a situation many find them- 
selves affected by that febricula, which the English alone call a 
cold, & perhaps from the name, imagine that they caught the mala- 
dy by going out of the room, when it was in fact by being in it." 
Phil. 2 Vol. p. 21, &c. 

Received an account from the printed publication of the Unita- 
rian Society, of their rules, members & purposes. The number is 
larger than I should have thought would have embarked so early 
in such a design. The old Rope walk is exposed for Sale, but it 
seems the general wish that it might be removed for the convenience 
of a road to the Neck, & extreme parts of the Town. 

[178] 2. Master Watson was kind enough to favour me with a 
number of the New Jerusalem Magazine by the Followers of Swe- 
denborg. The sight was enough after having read his " Heaven & 
Hell," & the things contained therein. D r Rush in his enquiry 
concerning fevers remarks, " The rains which fall in Pennsylvania 
after the middle of September, are so far from producing fevers, 
that they generally prevent them. The rain probably acts at this 
season by diluting, & thus destroying the febrile miasmata that 
were produced by the heat & moisture of the preceding summer." 
He confirms this with the opinion of D r Franklin, & by a compari- 
son of seasons within his own observation. Most wretched fate 
attends our singing. But few present this evening, these such as 
dire necessity alone could lead us to entertain, I mean of the men. 
We proposed to shut the school entirely, till some great changes 
could be made. This is hard, expensive, & very unprofitable ser- 
vice as it has been succeeded. The history of singing in this Town 
would be a strange history of enthusiasm, & sudden neglect, and it 
would be a sure warning against promoting psalmody, but at least 
in the leading men, by men who had not lost all sense of religion. 

[179] 3. Went to take fish at the Neck Farm, & have them 



1791] BEV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 295 

cooked at the farm. Chance threw in my way a Negro, called 
Doctor, known for his enthusiasm among the New Lights, & in his 
conversation in the boat, of which he had possession, when I came 
to the farm, he told me that he often came down to Abbot's Beach 
to go into water for a stoppage of blood which he first felt on the 
last fast day. I asked no questions in fear of the impertinence, & 
attended to my Fishing. M r Derby has leased the Farm till April, 
1793, to the Perkinses Brethren, & has removed all his own furni- 
ture from the house. M r D. went last week to Boston, & D r Baine 
took his House. 

[Sept.] 4. Sunday. Notes. Catherine Freeman, a Negro, for 
herself sick, & Husband at Sea, & Son at a distance. Notified that 
the evening Service will begin at 2 o'clock for the rest of the year, 
chusing the second Sunday in September, the second in November 
for half after 10 o'clock, & the first in April & May for the returns, 
& so avoiding the crowding of time upon Communion Days. The 
weather lowry, & the season very healthy. I now begin to under- 
stand what it is to go alone. The sums received are sufficient to 
put out of debt, & have a pittance in my pocket to be called my 
own. 

5. This & the next day were assigned for our Militia Trainings. 
The Captains had their several companies out, at their several 
places of parade in the wards, & marched through their respective 
streets. It was a wet day, & hereby the greater shew was prevent- 
ed. Every thing was well conducted, except a fray with Capt. 
Brown & one of his soldiers. It was a very indiscreet affair, 
marked with passionate folly. To a friend I delivered the follow- 
ing Toasts, 

I The President. 

II The Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 

III The French Revolution, & the Progress of Political economy. 
I1II The rising State of Vermont, & the Western Settlements. 

V Agriculture with industry & frugality. 

VI Commerce with the arts & sciences. 

VII Success to the Fishery. 

VIII The Salem Militia. 

IX The Independent Companies, may they be the nurseries of 
the brave & ambitious. 

X The Salem Member of the Federal Government. 

XI The Fathers of the Town & the Benefactors of the Poor. 

XII Encouragement to every Servant of the Public. 

XIII The Fair Sex enlightened & Beloved. 

XIV The Rights of Man. 

This is not the precise order in which the copy is given, but 
these Toasts are intended to be sufficiently generous & sufficiently 
local. We often fail in the last, & render them too long for 
familiar use. 



296 DIARY OF [1791 

[181] 6. This day published in the Gazette the following 
directions. The Beacon lately erected by the Marine Society in 
Salem on the North end of Baker's Island, is 22 feet, base, & 55 
feet high. On approaching said Island the following directions 
from accurate surveys, lately taken, may be observed. 

From Eastern Point Cape Ann to said Beacon, S. 74. Deg. W. 
distant, 7 miles 6/10ths. 

From Gale's Ledge, S. 51. Deg. W. distant, 1 mile 8/10ths. 

From South Breaker of said Island, N. 33 1-2 Deg. W., distant, 
1 mile 5/10ths. 

From Halfwav Rock K 3. Deg. W. distant, 3 miles 3/10ths. 

From Hardy's Rock "The Body," S. 81. Deg. E. distant, 
11/ 20ths of a mile. 

From Tennapoo, or Bowditch's Ledge, S. 68. Deg. E. distant, 1 
mile & 1/3. 

These are all the places noted, but it would not have been amiss 
to have noted all the Islands. [182] I have the pleasing informa- 
tion of the Life of my friend Duval de Monville by Capt. Knight's. 
This day appointed for the Review, present, Adjutant Tracy, & the 
Honorable Federal District Court, who this day meet at Salem. We 
dined with the Officers of the Regiment, Cadets & Artillery in the 
Court House. The rain was continual, & prevented exhibitions of 
every kind. A general disappointment was visible. Lodge night 
on which Brother Pullen was raised. 

7. Having some money in pocket & having checked my curios- 
ity for the purchase of books, my purse continues open for orna- 
ments, & other enjoyments which may in the end give me as little 
satisfaction. M r John Tracy & M r Jackson with me this day. Col. 
Bradford promised me a letter on the subject of the Gr. Lodge, 
whose quarterly communications we had forgotten. The woman 
whose children have been christened, has again relapsed. A Letter 
from my sister Sukey reminding me of my promise to defray her 
school expences through the season. 

[183] 8. A Copy of the Bye Laws of Essex Lodge. 

Art. I. Sect. 1. That this Lodge assemble every month on the 
first Wednesday, early in the evening, & such Regular Lodges shall 
be called Lodge Nights. 

Sect. 2. On special occasions the Lodge may meet, as the inter- 
est of the Lodge may require, and such Lodges shall be called 
Special Lodges. 

Art. II. Sect. 1. The Election of Officers shall be in the fol- 
lowing manner : each member shall write the name of the person 
to be chosen Master, & the person who has the highest number 
shall be declared Master. 

Sect. 2. It shall be the business of the Master to call all 
Special Lodges. 



1791] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 297 

Sect. 3. The Wardens, Deacons, & all other Officers, except 
the Tyler, shall be chosen by a majority of written votes. 

Sect. 4. The Tyler shall be appointed by the Master. 

Sect. 5. The Tyler shall receive a consideration for his services 
from the Lodge by a vote for the purpose, & be utterly prevented 
any demands, [184] upon any person offering himself to be made 
a mason, becoming a member, or visiting the Lodge. 

Art. III. Every member shall pay at each monthly meeting the 
sum of two shillings towards a Fund, into the hands of the Treas- 
urer who under the direction of the Master & Wardens shall put 
the principal, never to be expended, at interest in the national or 
other public Funds, & the interest shall be appropriated for such 
charitable uses as the Lodge shall determine. 

Art. IV. Sect. 1. Every person desiring to be made a Mason, 
shall apply to the Officers of the Lodge, who shall present him to 
the Lodge, if they judge him qualified, on the next Lodge night, & 
he may be accepted on the following night, & be made on the third 
night. 

Sect. 2. And every person so made shall pay the sum of fifteen 
dollars, one third to be appropriated immediately to the Fund & the 
other two thirds to incidental charges in which the expences of the 
evening shall never be included. 

[185] Sect. 3. Provided that in special cases, such as a speedy 
& unexpected departure from the Country for long absence, the Offi- 
cers of the Lodge may admit a more summary process, but shall 
lay all such proceedings for making, passing, or raising a Mason, 
under every possible discouragement. 

Sect. 4. Provided also, that in consideration of a man's pro- 
fessional abilities, & virtues, his inability to pay such sum shall be 
considered & the Lodge may dispence with such payment. 

Sect. 5. If any person proposed to be made in this Lodge be 
negatived, he shall not be proposed again within the Term of three 
months nor shall he ever be proposed in any special Lodge, nor shall 
he be accepted in a Lodge at which fewer members are present, than 
were present at the time in which he was negatived. 

Art. V. Sect. 1. Every Brother passed to a Fellow Craft, shall 
pay the sum of six shillings, but if not made in this Lodge, shall 
pay the sum of ten dollars, & shall be a resident in the Town, or 
nearer to this Lodge, than any other, & no person shall be made, 
passed or raised in this Lodge, who lives in a Town in which any 
regular Lodge [186] is held, however he may be recommended. 

Sect. 2. Nor shall any person receive two degrees in one night, 
nor any person be raised to the Sublime Degree of a Master, with- 
out the payment of four dollars , towards the incidental charges, un- 
less he was made & passed in this Lodge, in which case he shall 
pay only two dollars. 

Art. VI. Every Brother admitted as a member of the Lodge 



298 DIARY OF [1791 

shall pay the sum of two dollars to the Fund, & shall sign the Bye 
Laws. 

Art. VII. Sect. 1. The expence of every Lodge shall be paid by 
the Brethren present, & at the time of incurring the expence. And 
no liquors shall be used in the Hall in which the Lodge meets, but 
upon the Festivals, or rare & special occasions. 

Sect. 2. Nor shall any persons renew their visits at discretion, 
who can conveniently become Members of a Lodge, & decline the 
relation. 

Sect. 3. And every Visitor after his first visit, shall support 
his equal proportion of the expence. 

[187] Art. VIII. Any member who shall absent himself from 
the Lodge six nights successively, & not of his own accord send, or 
offer satisfactory reasons, shall render his relation void. 

Art. IX. That every consideration made for services, to the 
Representatives of this Lodge in the Grand Lodge, or to the Secre- 
tary, Tyler, or any other Servant of the Lodge shall be made by 
Vote from the sums appropriated to incidental charges. 

Art. X. That every amendment of the Bye Laws, or addition re- 
quired by future contingencies shall be notified at three Lodge 
nights successively, be reported to every member, & be accepted 
unanimously. 

First Copy signed. 

Joseph Hiller. Benja. Carpenter. 

William Bentley. John Page. 

Robert Foster. B. Crowninshield. 

James King. J. Vincent. 

Benja. Hodges. J. Jenks. 

John Becket. T. Hartshorne. 

Jona. Mason. E. Lang. 

Abel Lawrence. Jo. Eveleth. 

E. H. Derby junr. E. Pulling. 

[188] News of the death of John Andrew. He was Son to a 
Deacon of our Parish, & brought up to the Goldsmith's Trade. He 
came into possession of a handsome estate, & married the only 
daughter of M r Watson, a wealthy Mechanic. M r A. never loved 
work, & by keeping a Shop of English Goods he soon reduced his 
estate to an humble maintenance, but was full of speculations in 
various ways, & having a large family, having left 10 children, he 
was obliged to think of putting his visionary schemes into execution, 
which his natural inclinations would otherwise have suffered to die 
in thought. He first planned a Tan yard, now improved & employed 
by Gardner & Chever, & originally the property of his Brother An- 
drew. He removed his Barn on the spot, & planned his labour. 
The work was left to hired men, & he commenced another scheme 
of speculation in the paper Bills of credit. To answer his ends, & 
his first great success, he changed all his old habit, from the plain 



1791] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 299 

man, became the Gentleman. For the first time began to powder his 
hair, drink his glass of wine after dinner, receive his company, ride 
the country, & mix with the best company on change. His cards 
were soon distributed, & besides the common conversation, which 
was very free on the subject, his cards stuck up J. A. Broker, were 
altered J. A. Broke. He rejected with disdain all such insinuations, 
but in about 10 months, the Town Tax in his hands was prudently 
taken out by his friends, John shut his [189] doors, left his whole 
estate, & lay under an enormous weight of debt. Redeemed at last 
from this forlorn condition by his Wife's Father & Brother, he 
arose to entertain some new projects. In his prosperity he was ev- 
idently giddy ; in his adversity he experienced an almost unexam- 
pled depression, & from this time was subject to the most sudden 
& extreme emotions. His Wife's Father gave him his portion in a 
Township in Cumberland, 12 miles back of Portland, & furnished 
him with all the implements of a Farmer. He was soon wild in 
his repairs & buildings. The Farm was abandoned to his young sons, 
while he was sure of success in Trade & Business. At his last visit 
he was with me assuring of his purposes to explore a road to Dart- 
mouth College, from his own town, first called New Marblehead, 
from the residence of the principal proprietors, & now Windham. 
He begged me to come down & go with him. He was determined 
to settle & trade at the lower part of Sebago Pond, about 12 miles 
above him. Upon his return he found his crop had failed. That 
his Cash he had expended on useless Looms, & Dairies, without any 
supplies of Stock, & that an hard winter was approaching. Blasted 
in his expectations, his old benefactor gone, the estate reduced, he 
gave himself up to the most distressing apprehensions. From our 
friends who lately visited him we were informed of his gloomy 
habit. His Brother had generously provided 20 bushels of grain 
for his family, but before he proceeded, John rushed from life. 
[190] Beware that no man deceive you with vain words. A Letter 
pretendedly from Rome that the Pope mortified at the conduct in 
France, consoled himself with the indulgence granted to his religion 
in America. Thayer continues his publications, & is now attempting 
to prove that we have retrenched the Scriptures, by seperating the 
Books, called Apocryphal. M r J. Tracy tells me that the Episcopal 
Church in Marblehead have applied to M r Dalton & the Wardens 
at Newbury Port for a recommendation of M r Harris, their Reader, 
to Bp. Provost of New York, for holy Orders. M r Oliver's attach- 
ment to Bp. Seabury is well known. It was his remark on Bp. 
Provost, that when he gave his Blessing, it was with an air, which 
betrayed a doubt about it. 

9. Thomas has published the Laws of the United States. Vol. 
1. 8 vo. at 10 s /6. There are proposals for a register of the Pro- 
ceedings of the House of Representatives by the Editor of the 
Argus, Boston, at two dollars p r Annum. Rev d Cummings preached 



300 DIARY OP [1791 

the Dudleian lecture this year upon the Subject of NATURAL 
RELIGION, & we are informed that the Commons at Cambridge 
are at the moderate price of 6 shillings & eight pence. 

[191] 10. A new Ship belonging to E. H. Derby, jun r , came in- 
to our harbour this morning. A very long spell of dark weather. 
There has been one case before the Federal District Court this 
week in this Town. Judge Lowell, Attorney Gore, Marshall Jack- 
son, & Col : Bradford were present. It is said Bp. Seabury when 
only in holy Orders always wore his band. He is singular in it at 
this day, & the appearance of a man in this habit, excites as much 
inquiry, as the greatest novelty. It is said, he must be greater than 
other men, or else he is crazy. 

[Sept.] 11. Sunday. Notes. Richard Valpey & Wife for her deliv- 
ery, on death of the child, & friends at Sea. Benjamin Henderson 
for himself sick. Catherine Freeman for herself sick. Began ser- 
vice at 2 o'clock. We are left in quiet at this time. The zeal of 
the Methodists is a counterpoize to the new lights, & the last has 
so equal a match that they suffer other heresy to grow up unregard- 
ed. 

[192] 12. Received of Judge Winthrop several specimens of 
the Massachusetts Paper money of 1722. The subject renewed of 
settlements in the interior country, for Sea Captains fatigued with 
the labours of the Sea. I visited the Beacon on the bar, which 
forms from Salem side, & covers Beverley harbour making a Lock 
with the point within. The point upon which the Beacon stands 
is bold too, the sand behind it shifts out, so as to spread a consid- 
erable distance & leaves almost all the flatts within bare at common 
tides. The Head is of Stones, of inconsiderable size, but which 
seem not to shift or detain any earth upon them, the shells formed 
upon them resemble honey comb, and are in some instances an inch 
in length, & may be separate at pleasure. The passage of 20 yards 
with the head & the Bar, commonly under water is a muscle bed, & 
at a very low tide, you may pass on the inner side upon a hard 
stony bottom, dry, & this seems to be the bottom below the muscle 
bed. The Lobster Rocks are nearly dry at very low tide, & are not 
quite, but from shore, half the length of the bar. The land from 
which the bar forms on the shore is high and rocky, but a loose sand 
is collected half way down. 

[193] 13. I went for Fuller's, Gloucester, in company with M r 
MacKeen. We passed by way of upper Beverley in Monserat quar- 
ter. The road for three miles is very good, upon Taylor's turning 
to the left not so good, till we come to Dodge's Row, on Wenham 
Neck. We then passed to the right over a bridge through the 
meadows, covered with some excellent Willows. We then left a 
Road to Little Comfort on the right, & proceeded to Chabacco. 
Till we reached the Pond, the road is tolerable, & at some distance 
beyond. Here we saw a rope-walk, but could not be informed by 



1791] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 301 

whom employed, & in what manner. It was a curious object at this 
distance from a port, tho' it might be of special use in the small cord- 
age of the Fishery below. After entering Chebacco, the road is 
winding, & we arrive at a Bridge, considerably high, tho' small, & the 
descent is relieved by cross pieces, which give not a very pleasing 
motion to a carriage. We then pass a causeway over the marshes, 
nearly 1-4 of a mile, which being left low to be overflowed by the 
tide, & formed with cross pieces, many of whose ends now rise from 
the ground, & the stones being loose on the top, make a very uneasy 
passage. We turned in 1-4 of a mile to the left, & continued in 
that course two miles, till we reached the foot of the hill, then leav- 
ing the road to the left our course was over the hill. But for a year 
past the old road, has been cut by the rain [194] which in tor- 
rents has cut it out between the rocks several feet, & a road is made 
through a gate on the right, through which we might pass. But 
separating from my Companion, I took a little boy into my Sulkey 
as a guide, who leaving me at the foot of the hill, took a path to 
to the left, & as they use no chaises, directed me in the foot path 
in the old road. I endeavoured to mount a most frightful hill, & 
soon getting out of my Sulkey, was obliged to lead the trembling 
beast up to the summit, with no other injury than his treading up- 
on one of my feet which gave me considerable pain. Below the hill 
was the place of our destination. We found the Parson with a 
large family in the vale of Contentment, & a most frightful coun- 
try. At twelve we went to the meeting. I performed the prayers, 
& Brother Prince the Sermon. There was a very neat congregation. 
The music was very good, & a propriety of conduct became subject 
of general observation. After dinner, & some familiar conversation, 
the terrors of the road, & the hurr[y]ing night came into our minds. 
Three only of the company had resolution to set out, Brother Hub- 
bard & I being in Sulkeys, & McKeen on Horseback, were directed 
from the top of the Hill to the left, & by consulting each other in 
a mile's distance we reached Squam road, & the Road to the Har- 
bour, entring on the right by a Mill, & were directed to enquire for 
Haskell's the Hatter, if we ever visited the place again. [195] 
Here we found a Hatter shop on the right, & on the left a decent 
House of entertainment, with a sign of a " Bird in the Hand is 
worth two in the Bush." We continued this road till we came to 
the place at which we turned to the left in going & then pursued 
our former rout, home. We stopped at M c Keen's at Tea, & there I 
left M r Hubbard, & returned home alone at half past nine. M r 
M c Keen judges his Meeting House to be above 40 feet elevation 
from high water mark, & of greater elevation than the Meeting 
House of the upper Parish. We remarked the deception upon 
plains of distance, & the account of the Huntsmen, that a fouling 
piece requires a greater elevation in the meadows, because the earth 
& water draws down the bullet. Bee's, Coy's, Round & Gravelly 



302 DIARY OP [1791 

Ponds are not on this Koad, but the great Chebacco Pond on our 
right going to Chebacco, is between us & them. I wished to see 
them, & if time would have permitted should have attempted it. 
The Methodists have given a very serious alarm to the Orthodox. 
Cleveland has abused them in the Ipswich Hamlet pulpit, upon a 
lecture to which he was invited by D r Cutler. At Manchester there 
was a curious interview. Some of the Inhabitants, wishing to hear 
the Methodists, proposed in the Town meeting, that upon the ap- 
plication of two freeholders the Committee should be obliged to 
open the meeting House to any Preachers, they should chuse to in- 
troduce. It was not thought prudent to deny this request, & there- 
fore [196] when the vote was passed it was proposed to qualify it 
with the clause, provided no regularly ordained minister of the 
neighbourhood should be in Town. It was accepted in this form. 
Soon after Lee & Smith, the Methodists, sent word that they should 
be in Town & preach on the ensuing Wednesday. Notice was 
given to Cleveland & Oliver to be present at that time, & they were 
ready. Cleveland preached first, & soon at a very short intermis- 
sion M r Oliver. The Methodists in the intermission learnt the 
trick, & after some idle debates upon inability, election, itinerancy 
&c, they told the people that they should preach in the School 
House, & accordingly the two services began at the same time, but 
a majority attended the Methodists, offering this reason that the 
other preaching was out of spight. The Methodists have preached 
at Ipswich, in the several parishes, Newbury, &c. The Orthodox 
who have proclaimed a work of God going on in the Southern 
States, having now found out that it was promoted by the Metho- 
dists, have covered in silence their mistake, having confessed that 
Satan may be transformed into an Angel of Light. The poor ana- 
baptists are now left in silence, & will probably diminish as the 
sentiments of the Methodists so happily blend a liberality on the 
five points, with as much experience as enthusiasm can beget. The 
doctrine of Itinerancy forms a dreadful puzzle with the orthodox, 
who are smarting dreadfully under the lash, & are convinced that 
they set the example. ? 

[197] 14. M r E. Giles of Marblehead, a few days ago fell in 
with a large Turtle, about 15 leagues from Cape Ann. It differed 
a little from the common turtle, & was shewn on the Common on 
Tuesday, last week. It weighed 712 lb. I did not see it. 

[198] 15. Watson in the fourth Volume of his Chymestry, p. 
155. 12 mo. 3 d Ed. has the following, " It is reported of King 
James II., that he melted down & coined all the brass guns in Ire- 
land, & afterwards proceeded to coin the pewter with this inscrip- 
tion, Melioris lessera fati. The Congress in America had recourse 
to the same expedient ; they coined several pieces of about an inch 
& half in diameter, & of 240 grains in weight ; on one side of which 
was inscribed in a circular ring near the edge, Continental Currency. 



1791] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 303 

1776, and within the ring a rising Sun with Fugio, at the side of 
it, shining upon a dial under which was Mind your business. On 
the reverse were thirteen small circles joined together like the rings 
of a chain, on each of which was inscribed the name of some one of 
the thirteen states. On another circular ring, within these, was in- 
scribed American Congress, and in central space, We are one. I 
have been particular in the mention of this piece of money, because, 
like the leaden money which was struck [199] at Vienna, when 
that city was besieged in 1529, it will soon become a great curiosity. 
I estimated the weight of a cubic foot of this continental currency. 
It was equal to 7440 ounces. This exceeds the weight of a cubic 
foot of our best sort of pewter, & falls short of that of our worst. 
I conjecture that the metal of the Continental currency consisted of 
12 parts of tin, & of 1 of lead." A Crew of 19 persons was taken off 
the wreck of a large ship in the Bay & brought into this place by 
Stephen Webb. She was bound from London to Philadelphia, 
with English Goods. Some of the cargo was saved. 

16. On Wednesday night last a Cape Cod Schooner arrived at 
Marblehead, with a dismasted Ship in tow which had suffered in 
the late Blow at Sea. The Hull I saw riding in Marblehead Har- 
bour. She was bound from Bristol to New York with fall goods, 
& is owned in the last port. Capt Webb arrived at Salem with the 
Crew from his wreck, on Tuesday, when I was absent. This day 
being appointed for the review in Marblehead, I went in company 
with my Frenchman & John to observe the conduct of the day. 
We arrived at ten o'clock, & found the Companies just entering the 
parade. They formed, were inspected by D. A. Tracey, & after- 
wards reviewed by B. G. Fiske. [200] As Marblehead is a Town 
composed of people from all nations, instructed in various religious 
superstitions, which have left no other than the same fears, with- 
out any light to enable them to enter into controversies, with 
their instructions, which are rather their fears playing upon their 
credulity, they have so little knowledge of moral life, that they are 
as profane, intemperate, & ungoverned as any people on the Conti- 
nent. From this general character, for there are some noble excep- 
tions, every person expected entertainment from the folly which the 
day would exhibit. But the disappointment was great. The regi- 
ment under the Command of Col Orne jun r consisted of above 300 
privates in seven companies, with officers all in a blue uniform, 
with a white standard, bearing in the quarter the blue stripes. The 
men were all decently clad. The firearms were rusty, & chiefly 
without bayonets, but not disgustful. When dismissed there was 
some firing of pieces, but not such as might be expected from men 
who had been accustomed to this fault in an alarming excess. We 
were escorted by a proper guard at one o'clock to the Academy to a 
public dinner, at which 110 persons were received, & sumptuously 
entertained. Col Lee, whose elegant House is on the parade, gave 



304 DIARY OP [1791 

us a Collation at 4 o'clock in a very polite & generous manner. At 
dinner every propriety was observed. After dinner the Toasts were 
drank. The Commander of the day [201] condescended in the 
manner of the place to give us a song in turn, while Major Swazey, 
M r Sewall, Capt Orne in turn assisted in the same entertainment. 
They could not desist from liberties usually taken on such occa- 
sions to flatter national prejudices at the expence of other nations, 
& as I had a Frenchman with me, Col Orne asked whether a Song 
upon the French might not be apologised for to my friend. I told 
him that my friend was young, of a good family, but present upon 
his courtesy. However, M r Sewall was betrayed into the error of 
singing a burlesque song, for which his exquisite feelings gave him 
adequate punishment upon discovery that a Frenchman was pres- 
ent & he made most humble apologies. Col Orne senior, in his 
own manner said, tell the young man that when this same old Eng- 
lish song was sung before a General Officer in public company, this 
generous Frenchman, with a laugh replied, " Dis was no make by 
de Frenchman." My young friend all this while knew little of the 
matter. It is however a warning against the illiberality of ballads 
& the humble prejudices they are designed to support, which ought 
to disappear when the light of good sense & friendly society ap- 
pear. A Capt Homans entertained us with a most exact imitation 
of low life, in the most indelicate, honest, but vile language of low 
life, for which he deserved the shouts in the execution, but a 
whipping under the gallows when the story was ended. After the 
toasts at three o'clock, we returned in procession to the [202] pa- 
rade, & the afternoon was spent in evolutions. First with Rev d 
Hubbard, & then in company with Col. Orne, I visited the Fish 
Flakes which were covered with this staple of the Town. In our 
view from one point were 79 vessels, of which 2 were Brigs, the 
rest chiefly fishing Schooners, & only 4 of them at the wharves. 
The ship with Jury masts was riding at the entrance of the harbour. 
There are but two places in this Town convenient for wharves, each 
of them I visited. They are about an eighth of a mile apart. No 
wharves have piers to afford two berths on a side, or room for two 
vessels on a side. The lane leading to the principal is at the lower 
end of the Town House, which is boarded up on the lower story, & 
much shattered above. The best Cove is said to be red stone cove 
at the upper part of the Town, & just below an head, which I vis- 
ited, & whose name I forgot. The cove is named from the colour 
of the rock. 

The success of the Fishery has been great this year, but greater 
in Beverley than in Marblehead in the proportion of the shipping. 
The difference is imputed to the effects of privateering upon the 
manners in Marblehead & not to the care in fitting vessels for the 
fishery. Beverly has fitted out 80 Vessels, and the last fare now in, 
is above 500 quintals to a Vessel, amounting at the lowest compu- 



1791] KEV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 305 

tation to 15,000 quintals. Marblehead has fitted out 80 Vessels, 
of the same burden, & the success has not been above 300 quintals 
to a Vessel or about 25,000 quintals, the whole fare. [203] Bev- 
erley never went so fully into the fishery before the war, •& it is 
believed that it never had in it the same quantity of fish at the 
same time. The proportion of Salem, who do not enter largely into 
this business, I have not ascertained, but will do it at a convenient 
oppertunity. At Sundown I was introduced into the family of 
Col Lee at Tea. He has eight children & a very obliging wife. 
This gentleman has a very excellent person, & was highly esteemed 
in the Continental Army, & particularly by our illustrious Com- 
mander in chief. His want of promotion in the Militia depends 
on himself. After Tea, tho' solicited to tarry at a public Supper, I 
declined in apprehension, from the manners of the people. I 
reached Salem at seven o'clock. I saw at a distance the work on 
the neck, which forms a barrier against the Sea, but had not time 
to visit it. The Lottery has left, I am informed, something in 
stock, for future repairs. 

An anecdote of the Rev: Bernard the Bishop of the place is, 
that on public trainings, he would carry his pockets loaded with 
Coppers, to throw to the Boys, to entertain himself with their 
exertions to catch, or to find them. This was the ostentatious vir- 
tue of the age, in which he lived, & passed as generosity, not diver- 
sion. It is said there is an admirable likeness of this eminent 
man yet remaining in his Mansion house which I had not time to 
see. I went into the cupola, upon the elevated seat of Col Lee 
[204] to enjoy the extensive view he has from that convenient 
place, but the air was not sufficiently clear for the purpose. I could 
see enough to believe the representation just. They have a seven 
foot Telescope in fine order, & they declare that they see the people 
pass to church in the Streets of Salem on Sunday, such a command 
have they of the Town. I observed that the Beacon on Baker's 
Island looks directly up their Harbour. 

17. The Head above red stone cove in Marblehead is called 
Skinner's Head, from the owner, & the head below not of so bold 
projection into the harbour, & not so dangerous to Mariners, or to 
vessels driven from their Anchors, is Barthol's Head, which is of 
much greater elevation. The land is exceedingly rough, & they 
use no wheels in these flakes. The wharves below the town house 
are called the New Wharves in distinction from those above. ^Ye 
have this day the news of disturbances in England, in which D r 
Priestley has lost his house, Library, papers, & Apparatus, being 
burnt by the royal party. I have not seen the Gazettes, & so can- 
not determine what further mischief ensued.* I visited Old M 1 ' 
Symonds in his 100 th year, apprehending from his present illness, 

*"The Birmingham Riots," incited by an anonymous handbill on the "Rights of 
Man." 



306 DIABY OF [1791 

that his life would not be much longer continued. On the Bridge 
had an interview with the Beverley Squire, whose chatter is as 
impertinent as it is endless. 

[205] [Sept.] 18. Sunday. Notes. Hannah Webb, for delivery, 
child dead., & for Husband & Brethren at Sea. A very pleasant 
day. All the Clergy out of Town, or supplied. Last week a Miss 
Gray buried, of the family of Deacon Gray, the sixth within three 
years, & the youngest 27 years old, & all in consumptions. 

19. Melancholy reports respecting the insurrection of the slaves 
in the West Indies, particularly Hispauiola. The account of 
Priestley's fate, & the events which attended it, is too confused, to 
lay the foundation of a belief of the particulars. The violence of 
the mob was great. In Salem & Marblehead, several toasts have 
been given in honor of the Vice President, John Adams, as the 
protector of the Fishery. As his aristocratical principles have 
made parties for & against him, his friends have triumphed in 
these public Testimonies of affection. D r Priestley, it is said, in 
his late publications, has preferred the political notions of J.Adams 
to those of the republican Doctor Franklin. Parties are high upon 
the subject of the Vice President considering they act chiefly on 
suspicions. Some remarks on Paine's Rights of Man are attributed 
to him, or at least to his influence, & the notes on Davila. 

[206] 20. Yesterday a Spanish Snow bound from Porto Rico 
to Cadiz, out 50 days, dismasted, was brought into this Port by a 
Schooner. There is another Ship in the same condition arrived at 
Boston from Jamaica. The gale was on the 23 d of Aug. in Lat. 35. 
Long. 54. There was another gale on the 6 th of September. Pre- 
sented in quarters with preserved limes, a present from my French- 
man to M rs Crowninshield, my landlady, M rs Gibaut, M rs H. Hodges, 
& M ra Sleuman. This afternoon we had a launching from the Yard 
of M r Enos Briggs, the Builder of M r Derby's great Ship, whose 
launching was attended with so much fatigue. The Vessel launched 
this day was about 90 Tons, & she left the ways with an agreable 
descent, & motion, to the satisfaction of all persons present. The 
Builder's yard is on the Stage point, opposite to the wharves of 
Pierce & Ward. We had a full view of the Launch from the Long 
wharf, which was in the line of her motion, directly before her. The 
Vessel had above 150 persons on board. James Keir, who was 
chairman to the Company, met at Birmingham, on whose account 
the mob was raised by the Royalists, testifies that the hand-bill did 
not come from the Company, & was by an advertisement immedi- 
ately disowned, & as to D r Priestley, the paragraph is, [207] " The 
last false report that I have heard relative to that meeting is con- 
cerning D r Priestley's behaviour there. To this I suppose it will 
be sufficient to answer, that Dr. Priestley was not present." A Song 
published in the Gazette upon the subject of the French Revolution 
pleased me much. 



1791] BEV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 307 

21. The news respecting the death of C. W. Carlton is contra- 
dicted by Capt Lander, upon the authority of the owner of the 
Vessel, & it is reported Carlton is well, & in a West India Drogher. 
At the eastward of English's Lane near the water, is a Store en- 
larged, but originally built above an hundred years. A few yards 
above is the large Cellar, the stones of which were sold six years 
since, but the steps remain, over which stood a very large house 
with peaks as English's below & which was employed as a Tavern 
by the name of the BLUE ANCHOR. It has been down above 40 
years, & there was a Store put over the Cellar, which within a few 
years has been removed into North Fields. Beyond on the shore 
is to be seen the Cellar of a House possessed by Mary Brown, the 
Land being since sold to C. Richard Derby. On the west side of 
English's lane, opposite to the Tavern, is a Cellar, upon which stood 
a house within the memory of the present generation. Beyond 
Brown's House & Whitford's, which is a house since built, about 20 
years, & now standing, is to be seen the Cellar of Webb's house, 
the land being yet in the family. There were [208] three other 
houses before we came to the group upon the Point of rocks, & one 
cellar is now to be seen upon the plain between the Block house 
ruins & the present enclosure upon the Point. The Blue Anchor 
was celebrated for Marblehead Campai[g]ns. Had a visit from the 
Spanish Officers, who have arrived in the dismasted Ship. The Ship 
Officers were left below, & the three Military officers came into the 
chamber. I had little but Physiognomy to guide me, as the supe- 
rior only held any conversation. He had not a strong countenance, 
nor a well informed one. He left me, at the request of my French- 
man, the only Book he had, which was a translation from the 
French into Spanish, of the Character of Friendship, and which 
classes among common useful books. The junior of all had a fine 
countenance which bespoke a good heart, the middle was silent. 
The Colonel, so called, was able to converse in French, but was no 
reader, or man of letters from his appearance & his handling books. 
However the interview was, tho' short, not without its pleasures, 
from the acquaintance with national manners, & the loveliness of 
hospitality. M r Johnson was with me from Lynn. He has aban- 
doned M r Parsons, as have all the Parish, but a few. They are 
suspicious that he intends to take the Parish House as his pay. The 
Question is whether such conduct does not, besides the division in 
the parish, injure the public opinion in regard to the ministerial 
character ? 

[209] 22. I have been repeatedly startled at the new method of 
spelling in the public school by a joint vociferation of the syllables, 
& have the following objections. I. In music the singing by rote 
with a company will never assist a person to sing gracefully by 
rule, when a solo. Conversation & reading are solo in Music. II. 
Vociferation or the loud spelling of children has no regard to the 



308 DIARY OF [1791 

building, the auditors, or easy pronunciation, it is like learning 
music in a chorus of Bacchinalians when the feet & hands assist 
the noise, rather than music. III. It is incompatible with the 
accents of a language which can never be given in the best spelling, 
it being rather in the best language at present, a review of certain 
letters, taught by practice to be associated with sounds which are not 
always the same, than a strict & easy analogy. And therefore is 
most discordant in a bold pronunciation of which there is no use 
but to the learner, & it is doubtful whether always to him. IIII. 
It is inseperable from a rudeness, & levity, which are always incon- 
sistent with a proper education. The abuse is inseperable consid- 
ering the minds of children, and it no more emboldens to speak in 
public, than joining a large chorus assists a person to sing. [210] 
The Spanish Ship brought into Salem agreed to give the fisherman 
for his trouble in conducting him, 100 dollars. The Bristol Ship's 
Goods saved by Webb, owned by J. Ward, was by reference to pay 
a Salvadge of 30 p r Cent. The referees, S. Brown, an underwriter 
in Boston, the British Agent in Boston, & G. Williams, Merchant 
in Salem. E. H. Derby jun r & G. Fiske have promised every 
assistance to the Spaniards in fitting their Vessel for Sea again. I 
hope the Town will deserve credit for such attentions. 

23. D r Priestley's unaffected & cool answer to the people of 
Birmingham has arrived, & it does him great honour. The account 
from the royal party describes the provocation in the hand bill, but 
represents the aggravated mischiefs of the vulgar mob. Lumber at 
a high price on account of the severity of last winter, which pre- 
vented getting out the Logs. M rs Maccauley Graham much offended 
that the Monthly Review spake with so much indifference of her 
metaphysical abilities. Great attempts to exculpate Andrews from 
suicide. The breaking the britch of his gun, &c, but the public 
opinion is only more confirmed, & it is said the application of his 
head to the muzzle was the most sure way to break it by the resist- 
ance occasioned. 

[211] 24. Eight years from the day of my ordination. Went to 
the Neck & in the Farmboat caught three dozen small fish in an 
hour, consisting of Polluck, Place, Tomcod, & Perch. In the in- 
closure belonging to the Farm & laying in Abbot's Cove, but being 
on Winter Island, near the causeway is a mound of earth, round 
which I traced stones set in the earth, & on each side hollows, that 
to the eastward being evidently a cellar, & the other artificial tho' 
'tis smaller, & both joining in a line the mound, which is now near- 
ly two feet above the stones. From the best conjectures I can at 
present form, it was a block house, as I have seen the foundations 
raised in this manner. That at Fort Dummer is not unlike in a 
line of it, tho' the whole Fort was an enclosed oblong square, with a 
lookout in the center, & a Block house at each corner. As there 
was a Storm of rain coming up I deferred digging till another opper- 



1791] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 309 

tunity. There must have been four houses on the Farm, as there 
are the remains of the Cellar, & inclosure, on the opposite side of 
the Cove. See p. 213. It has been remarked that barns very fre- 
quently suffer by Lightning & it has been conjectured that the 
cause arises from the state of the air within. May not the extreme 
heat of our Necessary houses, shut up in hot days, easily rendered 
almost suffocating, & the effect from the excrements below account 
that they should be struck, when higher buildings are around, wit- 
ness Collins' last summer. [212] The object of Marblehead Lottery 
being to defend the Neck it is said that Col : Glover was employed 
on that business on account of his great success in clearing some 
land left in a state of nature, as unworthy the expence. He seems 
not to have given in the public opinion so clear a proof of his econ- 
omy in this undertaking, & so the work stops far short of the origin- 
al projection, & much exceeding the expenses designed for it. 
Capt J. White after applying to the Physicians without success for 
a violent humour on his legs, has found great present relief by the 
use of a bath of Sea Water. I have never heard the case discribed 
& the patient is near 70 years of age. M r Johnson, the Swede, Car- 
penter, M r Warrall, the unhappy mariner who attempted his own 
life in Hosmer's Brig, & a M r Hollandgren, set out a fortnight since 
for their land in the upper Cohoss. Seep. 161. They are foreigners. 

II est la disposition de l'lmprimande de Salem faire les changes 
dans les penseurs, les paroles, et l'orthographie des pieces £crites 
pour sa Gazette. Une example dans les " Toasts." 

Dans la neuvieme, il lui-meme lire, L'Essex. 

Dans la septieme il omit Succes a la. 

Sur la dixieme il ecrit une Commentaire pour preuver la senti- 
ment du corps militaire sur cette sujet. 

[213] [Sept.] 25. Sunday. No Notes, — a rainy Sunday. Ven- 
tured to attempt a confutation of Church Power, feeling great ven- 
eration for D r Priestley, & offended at the dishonorable instigation 
of the populace. The force of imitation is plainly seen on rainy 
Sundays. The better people are at Church. The meaner aping 
the delicacy of better life, but not knowing the time, are absent 
from the weather, but thronging the Streets after dark. 

26. This day I pursued my inquiries respecting the House of 
last Saturday, and instead of a Pdock House, I find by digging that 
this was a very large House, & that the heap, which lay so high 
above the antient method of putting foundations, is a heap of earth 
& stones, with the old bricks & rubbish of which a large stack of 
chimneys was made. Upon enquiry I find this is the old house of 
Abbot, & not the one on the other side of the Cove, & that it was 
a Tavern. I traced the well about 40 feet north of the House, the 
inclosure back & the barn to the eastward of the House standing 
back from the road. For my amusement I intend to pursue my 
enquiries, & find, if possible, the time when last inhabited. Capt 



310 DIARY OP [1791 

Elkins (John), a very respectable man in this parish, died before I 
came to this Town. The friends have been under the disagreable 
necessity of putting his eldest Son, about set. 24, into the workhouse, 
& with that people he is now employed in the most servile business. 
Obstinately & incorrigibly vitious. 

[214] 27. Had a visit from my Brother Thomas, with a M r 
Sloane. I wish I had better symptoms of family friendship at 
Boston. The evening I spent at Major Hiller's with his agreable 
family. We had excellent music, & free conversation. My M r S* 
Marie was in our company. 

[215] 28. Capt S. Howard of Boston & several Ladies called 
upon me. Determined seriously to learn French, so as to render 
the pronunciation familiar. I find it will be of great use or at 
least a great gratification on many occasions. I think of a plan to 
appropriate this winter to speaking French & reading Spanish, Ger- 
man & Italian. M r Thayer continues his publications in the Gazette. 

29. This day is preparatory to the Training of the Militia at Bev- 
erley, & the Town Companies were mustered at the upper Meeting 
House. They had red standards, such as were used before the war, 
one had the stripes quartered, the other had the old S' George, & 
the number, in 8 round white spots, of the Company. We found 
them parading when we arrived, & they marched round the 
Square, had a sham fight, a truce, &c. for the exercise of the men. 
They do not march so well as at Marblehead. They have better 
arms, & have some very well proportioned men. While I was on 
this ground I wished to pass 1/4 of a mile towards the upper end 
of Wenham pond, & have left this for the next visit. The air was 
too cool for my Frenchman. A new Tollman, Leach, upon the 
Bridge. G. Cabot Esq r , is preparing for Philadelphia, & his ser- 
vices in the fund.* M r Dane is at Philadelphia. Militia, 200 men. 

[216] 30. A very pleasant day. News of Capt Sleuman's ar- 
rival at Boston with a freight from Liverpool. E. H. Derby jun r 
sets off for Virginia. Exhibitions at Cambridge this week, in which 
a M r Peelef bears a distinguished part. This young gentleman is 
of great hopes, & may prove an honour to our Town. At the Com- 
mencement in Providence, D r Manning having lately deceased, Hon : 
D. Howell presided, & the Rev d Jonathan Maxcy, lately ordained 
Pastor of the Baptist Church in that place is elected Professor in 
Divinity. The projection is serious of a College in Maine, & M r 
Dean of Falmouth is about with subscriptions. A curious Letter 
is published from Rev. Lothrop of Springfield to D r Styles, giving 
an account of a person afflicted with fits, whose recollection in his 
lucid intervals was confined only to actions in that state & so in the 
other state, having as it is expressed, as it were two souls. Upon 

*George Cabot, at that time U. S. Senator, and thought by his contemporaries second 
only to Hamilton in his knowledge of finance. 
tWillard Feele, became a merchant, and died in 1835. 



1791] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 311 

testimony of the father & family. The Librarian, M r Harris of 
Cambridge, proposes a History of all the beasts & birds in the Bible, 
which he means as a School Book. This is descending from the 
dignity with which that office has been sustained. 

[217] October 1. Saturday. Patterson went round to Boston. 
At Fiske's, the Sieur de la Tombe, & several French Gentlemen & 
I excused myself from dinner. Went on the neck, & as it was a 
warm day, I went into water. This year fruitful in onions. I 
bought a dozen weighing 9 lb. of M r Twisse, who raised 26 Bushels 
upon a very small spot adjoining to his House. Old M™ Archer 
lies dead, advanced above 86 years. She has preserved her senses 
tolerably well, but has been very helpless, tho not bedridden. She 
was taken vomiting, & in 24 hours she died. Old M r Symonds, eet. 
100, was taken with an insensibility a few days ago, & what was 
unusual, kept his bed several days. He has no fever, receives but 
very little food, & yet has so far recruited as to get from his bed to 
the chair by the help of his cane. Old M rs Andrew, aet. 89, has had 
a turn similar, but has recruited again. The change of the weather 
was not sensible to us. The heat was moderate. Several rains have 
fallen. And it is a time of general health to the people at large. 
E. H. Derby has sail'd for Virginia. Conversation yesterday with 
a M r Dodge of Ipswich respecting our Lodges. They hold an in- 
dependance because they wish to unite with the G. Lodge of Scot- 
land, or be detached regularly, & not by the Bevolution. 

[218] [Oct.] 2. Sunday. Notes. Mingo Freeman, Negro, death 
of his mother, & for Father at Sea. Margaret Manuel, death of her 
Cousin Freeman. Samuel Archer & Wife, delivery, & absent Friends. 
Seeth Ropes, for her delivery, Husband & Friends, & Brethren at 
Sea. M rs Archer's Funeral this evening, & a concourse of people. 

4. Training at Beverly but wet weather so that I did not renew 
my visit. D r Whitaker has been in town, in the past week, & has 
added to the vileness of his actions, the sins of ingratitude, having 
demanded of J. Mason the amount of a note, which he delivered in 
compensation for a sum double to its then value, its present value, 
tho' it has been negociated many years, & it was left twelve years 
ago, being a state order. The D r now has lost the last friend in the 
place. The D r was paid & discharged for ever. A report, proved 
false, see p. 223, 224. The unfortunate M rs Maley has arrived at 
her father's & taken up her residence in his family. Capt West 
preparing to remove into the Town to his House purchased of Judge 
Oliver. It is elegantly finished. Capt Murphy arrived yesterday 
from Rotterdam. 

[219] 4. A very pleasant day. A Thump upon the Citizen of 
last month under the signature of Civis. I wrote to the Printer to 
ask whether this was not an high Church Birmingham Trick in 
miniature. I confess the letter of the Law was not on my side, tho' 
I still conceive that the Officers of the Town did right, bur Lodge 



312 DIARY OF [1791 

this evening, & I gave an invitation to Capt Murphy at the request 
of the Brethren. Upon the Fa.rm on the Neck commonly called 
Derby's & upon the Cove upon the inner point are open two wells, 
the stones being bare, & the Hollows of two Cellars, one near Derby's 
Canal leading from the covered way at the bottom of the Farm, the 
other just above upon the high ground, fronting the Causeway. 

5. Preparations for review of tomorrow. A very unpromising 
day in the morning, but not too cold, & clear in the afternoon. The 
entertainment to be made, is to be made by Osgood & not Buffing- 
ton upon the subject of some disagreement. A Boy dangerously 
wounded in the Training at Beverley, through his own folly in wet- 
ting with his mouth the muzzle of a Gun to increase the report. It 
is reported that the Adjutant General Danielson is to review through 
the state. 

[220] 6. A very pleasant day, the wind in the West, & every 
advantage for a fine exhibition of our Militia. The whole were on 
the parade by ten o'clock. They were inspected by D. A. G. Tracey, 
& exceeded 500 in number. They were reviewed by Gen : Fiske, 
who was attended by the Spanish officers now in Town & by Col. 
Bradford of Boston. Between 1 o'clock & 2 there was a procession 
from the Common to the Court House for dinner, escorted by the 
Cadets, consisting of the several officers of the Corps, officers in 
Town & visiting on the occasion, gentlemen of the Town, & the 
Clergy. The Spanish Officers were particularly attended to on this 
occasion. After dinner there was a Sham fight on the Common, & 
the concourse of people unusually great, & the company at dinner 
larger than I have ever seen. I could not see the arrangement, & 
only heard that it was conducted without accident, & in perfect 
good humour. After this exhibition the Troops went into Court 
street, the militia fired twice in wings, & once in companies. The 
Cadets & artillery fired with their small arms, in platoons, wings, 
& companies, & performed well, & without admitting a disadvan- 
tageous preference to either party. The Hall was lighted for the 
evening, but as to myself the scene was closed with the dismission 
of the Military. There are several reviews in our neighbourhood, 
as well as in different parts of the state about this time. 

[221] 7. A party of our female friends left our harbour on 
Friday night at 11 o'clock for Boston, & did not arrive till Monday 
8 o'clock A. M. The sickness however occasioned by the voyage 
was in no degree prejudicial. The New Hampshire Convention in 
September last have reported in favour of the Title, Governour, in 
revising their Constitution to choose senators from 13 districts, 
councellors in counties, members paid from the Treasury, no officers 
of the United States to be members. Allegiance to the State. In- 
ferior Court abolished, Y. 56. N. 31. Court of equity, besides su- 
preme Court, & Sessions. It was moved to strike out " Protestant 
Religion " in the qualifications of representatives, Yeas. 33. Nays 



1791] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 313 

51. And can anything better be expected while D r Langdon in the 
heart of the state is reviving the old state interpretations of the 
Apocalypsis, respecting the Whore of Babylon, &c. &c. Thomas's 
4to English Bible is now ready to be delivered. In the course of 
the entertainment yesterday one of the Cadets fired his rammer 
from his fusil, it struck a bayonet of the opposite party in the Street 
near the Lower Meeting House, & almost cut of the head of the 
rod, bent it almost double, & it then passed to the hat of Wright 
the Baker, cut open the rim of his hat, entered the crown, struck 
his head slightly, & fell to the ground. A singular escape, evaded 
or contradicted. Capt Josiah Orne's House in the great street has 
been sold for 550-S for 5/6 encumbered with the Widow's Dower. 

[222] 8. The whole matter of the Signature cleared up to my 
entire satisfaction. It was the work of my imagination altogether. 
There is a paper war respecting the exhibitions at Cambridge. A 
M r Peale, a young gentleman of great hopes belonging to this town, 
who pronounced an oration is the principal subject. The reflections 
began in the Argus of Boston, are retorted with severe personal re- 
flections in the Chronicle, & repeated in the Centinel. The Gentle- 
man's Magazine of July, 1791, handles Priestley without decency. 

[Oct.] 9. Sunday. Notes. Jonathan Archer & wife, death of his 
mother. John Archer & wife & children, death of his mother & for 
sons at Sea. Elizabeth Allen, death of her sister Archer. Benj a 
Knight & wife, death of her mother. Lydia Masury, thanks for 
her delivery, Husband & Brother at Sea. Had only the last singing 
in the afternoon, because the singers, upon whom I could place no 
dependance, disliked a man willing to sing who appeared. Made a fire 
for the first time this evening in my chamber. D r . Whitaker at the 
Meeting. [223] The celebrated S. Hopkins in Town, & preaching. 
The R. T. F. Oliver, an Episcopalian Clergyman, preached last Sun- 
day at Springfield for M r Howard, a Congregational Minister. It 
was not expected from his attachment to Bp. Seabury. A M r Good- 
ale, driving a Cart with empty barrels into town from Marblehead, 
near Mill hill, Southfields, stumbled & fell under one of the wheels, 
which passed over his breast, & he died in one hour after 

10. Saw a curious Letter, of Murray the Universalist, upon the 
" subject of the Church." It is strange that such a man should 
pretend to write. I saw also Murray of Newburyport's Sermon, 
the death of blind Prince, & was surprised to find high encomiums 
upon the desultory matter of his sermons followed by an Appendix 
of the vilest specimens ever offered to the world with some remark- 
able providences which have an air of burlesque upon the face of 
them. A mixture of oil, ocre & pitch is said to keep water from 
passing through brick walls. Would not clapboarding do better? 
Spent the evening at M r Lang's for the soeiety of F. M. and very 
agreably, & with much information on the subject. Have made 
another appointment for this week. It is said upon the authority 



314 DIARY OF [1791 

of Rev. D. Hopkins that his Brother is preparing 2, 4to Volumes 
for the press, to add to the present stock on hand. [224] The report 
so unfriendly to D r Whitaker I was told last Thursday by one of the 
Referees, was on his part fair in law, that it was one of the 
clearest ever submitted, & one of those disappointments which the 
rapid appreciation of State security must occasion to long creditors 
upon paper security. Capt Mason has discharged the debt, & the 
D r behaved with great candour in the matter. See the infamous re- 
port, p. 218. The D r ' 8 Note is now in the Loans safe & it has ap- 
preciated, as other notes in Capt Mason's or the Creditor's hands. 

11. On account of the state of M r Fayson's family our associa- 
tion was held at Marblehead, at which I preached on the subject of 
association, No 450. We then discussed the affair of M r Parsons 
at Lynn. I proposed that as our charges had become personal, that 
we should notify him that we no longer considered him as Member 
of the association, but it was rejected, & it was unanimously agreed 
that on the next association he should be cited before the association 
to vindicate himself, & that the brethren should be notified of this 
business as coming before the next meeting. I confess I see not 
yet the right of these proceedings, which are formed upon very high 
pretentions to candour, but usurp one right, to prevent injury to an- 
other. Our Vote ought to go no further than a sepe ration. [225] 
At Col Orne's I saw green peas in the open air in high perfection. 
He mentions the great crop of onions, 7 had weighed 9 lb. He had 
a melon weighing 13 lb. His situation below the lower meeting, 
with a south exposure, on the side of an high [hill], of considerable 
elevation, the hill rising suddenly beyond it, & formed into terraces, 
with bold steps, is very agreable. He is one of our Councellors, of 
great integrity, violent passions, but very hospitable. He is the 
leading character in the old Meeting. M rs Mansfield dined with us 
at M r Hubbard's, & the whole association drank Tea at Col Orne's. 
M r Bernard & I spent a merry evening at M r Hubbard's, & arrived 
at Salem at 9 o'clock. 

12. Pleasant rain. A wanton Cow on the neck was shot by a 
M r English for breaking into the field, which he cultivated. The 
shot entered her neck. It was a rash & foolish act, like the man. 
I saw the cow in great distress & was drawn to the spot by the col- 
lection of people. The provocation has been great, & the Cow is 
even said to go boldly upon stairs in a barn, leap fences, &c. with 
great agility. Much conversation upon the reluctance with which 
the Boston Troops marched under the command of Brigadier Thayer 
to Milton. This Gentleman is nominated by the House for Major 
General, & Jackson supported in Boston by the Senate. The Gov- 
ernour would countermand none of his orders, & yesterday they set 
out. 

[226] 13. By accident a man fell from a darick upon the deck 
of a Brig in the Harbour. He was brought on shore, & it is conjee- 



1791] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 315 

tured had not broken a bone, & is not mortally wounded, particulars 
I have not heard. Saw M r Jack who has arrived with Cap 1 Sleu- 
rnan from Liverpool. Spent the evening with W. Lang & his Broth- 
er in the Masonic way. Had a swelling in the face, preceeded with 
several acute pains from a tooth, incurred by riding in the even- 
ing, the danger from which is that I am not used to it. See 228. 

14. Est mihi in animo, in tempore futuro scribere omuia quae 
in hoc libro sunt reserata, in Lingua non in usu communi. Non ex- 
pectatione, me elegantem aut semper accuratam dictionem attentu- 
ram; sed spe melius descendi verba ex aliis Unguis, & in illis esse 
optionem, et ex oculis omnium abscondere quae, tantum mihi ipsi 
attinent. Hoc in modo idiomata facilius sunt acquisita, et progres- 
sus studiorum observata. Hibc regula comprehendit res parvas et 
chartas in ecclesia pro precibus allatas. Nee iu una sela Lingua. 
Excepto alternatim Latina, Gernianica, Italica, Hispanica, Gallica,&c. 
tempus ante janiculum, prandium, Vespere, mane breve, tamen non 
inutile sit. Ad Conversationem semper his in Unguis paratus essem. 
[227] II est £crit dans les Livres de la Eglise avec les paroles an- 
glois. Psaumes et Hymnes pour la stance de la Ministere, en la 
maison de la Assemble Religeuse dans la partie orientalede Salem. 
Adjoutez Livre des, et pour partie, posez la quartier. 

15. Hodierna die ad sui apud Hispanos, qui dum navem suum 
pararent, ad patriam suam redire, celebravere religionis suae vitus, 
dans la ordinaire de la masse. Omnia solemniter perfuncta sunt a 
Clero Thayer, apud quem Hispani ad Bostonienses procedebant. 
Mihi allata sunt multa falsa per M. S l Marie, ex ore M. Thayer, quse 
nee ad bona, nee ad mala tendunt. Primus est Francisco Boiiasca. 

[Oct.] 16. Sunday. Scripta. Susannah Jeffrey, prop: partum 
gratius, seu gratias propter filiam natam, et preces prop : maritum 
abs mari. Deborah Sage grat : propter natum filium, prec. propter 
maritum abs. mari fratreque. 

Prandium accepi cum Hispano, navis gubernatae apud G. Gibaut. 
Invenio, fratres non approbare ullas lectiones cum viro, non in 
favorem suorum ad misso. 

[228] 17. Mane collocutus sum cum Preceptore Lang, de opinione 
quorundam fratrum, de lectionibus apud domum suam et apud fra- 
trem habitis. Iracunde forsitan, quia in animo meo dotor est, res 
amicitae universalis futuras sub auspiciis inimicitarum privatarum. 
Apud domum meam dixi hos fratres vesperi hocce, quia optime in- 
tellexerunt artem Masonicam. Excusavi, pro per dicta mihi die 
domini, ne amico. Hodie transivi semitis ex media, ad primam 
viam. Oppidi ut viderem familias rarissime mihi offerentes, dum 
ambularem. Exaudivi hominem, nomine Belfrey, qui cadebat, die 
decimo tertio, de malo, seu darico, Moituum esse. Casu, contusion- 
em capitis, esse, fractus cubitus, et iliarum, cum insanitate, quae 
prohibebat usum artis medicse. M. Simpkins, filius Diaconi apud 
Bostonienses est ordinandus ad Officia Pastoris Ecclesiae Congrega- 



316 DIARY OF [1791 

tionalis Harwick Comitate Barnstable hujus Kei publicae. Die Mer- 
curii. 

[229] 18. Hoclie Domus antiqua, in Via Hardy nominata, contra 
White & Allen, demolita est. Familia Webb habet terram, post 
avos, et domus sediricata est plus quam annos centum. Continebat 
pauca convenientia. Vidi Rev : Killog, Portland, ab illo dididi, 
dum Rev : Murray, Newbury Port, segrotaret, Juvenis Milton, alum- 
nus Huntingtonius, ab Nova Scotia, administrabat et plus enthusi- 
asmo, quam veritate favorem afferebat. Nunc populus desiderat 
ilium conjungere Murray in eodem ministerio, et Murray, omni sua 
auctoritate vix, ne accidisse, valet. Ipse ad Presbyteriam refert an 
se ipsum propter infirmitatem suam ab ministerio abstulisse. Illi 
negant. Milton parat redire cum sua familia. Murray, quid facere, 
nescit. Ilium Colleagum recusare timet, dicere ilium esse indig- 
num seu indoctum suam auctoritatem diminuet. Tales et tot, rexit 
plurimos annos. Hue ! nee acta puterita, vim enthusias mi minu- 
ant, nee Veritas. Disce contemnere spes a viris, quorum animi sunt 
acerbissimi, sub religionis pretextu, et ne desiderio obtinere favorem 
ignorantia, et violentia prudentem. The Rev d Killog reliquit apud 
me Chartas ad subscriptiones promovendas, operis ab D. Hemmen- 
way, de Ecclesia. Mihi distribuendae sunt. 

[230] 19. Proxima nocte Faemina viginti annorum, amantissi- 
ma, rediens e domo sororis super gradus cadebat, et super apicem 
lapidis collidebat. Casu contusionem infra ilia accipiebat, et nunc 
in dubio vita est. Nominata Bowditch. Colloquium habui cum 
Vidua Renew, filia Abbot, qui vixit super the Neck, terram jacen- 
tem infra Oppidum. Ipsa meniinit Domum super Insulam Winter, 
sic nominatam, in qua habitavit Vir nomine Crow*. Dixit mihi 
de Watertown, seu de eedificiis super The point of Rocks. Quinque 
Domus illio fluerunt attinentia ad Waters, Harbord, Striker, Pun- 
chard, unius nomen non in memoriam suam servit. Super Watch 
House point, aedificium, in quo posita est una Cannon. Duo Block 
Houses prope Oppidum ad introitum of the Neck. Insula habuit 
plurima Fish flakes. 

20. Ex. W. Gray, mercatore accepi " Gazettes avec la Constitu- 
tion de la France." 

[231] 21. Corpus Theologium Doctoris Hopkins, offertur sub- 
scriptionibus in Gazette Worcester, due voluminibus in 8vo. et illio 
describitur. Imp : a Thomas. Vidi filiam Bowditch, sine spe re- 
cuperandae Vitae. Ne servi opinioni. Tuis si teneas, negligis alios 
plus merentes. Quaere plus merentes, inspice amicos qui te apud 
favorem habeant. 

22. Hodie pluvia, tonitru, et vix vicessim. Vespere mihi, venit 
Nauta, orans me iterum media nocte ilium matrimonio adjungere. 
Notarius recusavit tradere illi chartas secundum leges ante tempus 
lege constitutum. Cum familia permansi usque ad horain undeci. 

*Crowell was sometimes written Crow. 



1791] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 317 

mam, tunc temporis transii ad clomum sponsae. Illio omnia sunt 
parata. Parentes clolorem gaudio commixtam exhibent. Nunc 
colloquitur de spe, nunc de mserore, per tempus stantes, sedetes, 
ambulantes, euntes ad filiam, exorans illam futuram quietam per 
decim, per quinque, pauca, nomenta, cito. citissime, inquit pater, 
patientia, charissima, inquit mater. Amici introeunt, et ad focum 
silentes adsistant. Sponsus venit. Currit vestitus adhibere, dis- 
suadet mater, factum est. Sponsa sedens, sponsus adstants, manus 
adjungens. Consentiunt, nee precibus, nee adhortationibus. Sacra- 
mentum solum, parturit. 

[232] [Oct.] 23. Solis. Notes. Lydia Beadle, aegrotam, et ad 
mortem, et pro tilio absente mari. Pauci ad ecclesias propter plu- 
viam, ventuni et nivem. 

24. Iri ad domum Assembly vocatum, cum familia Waters, Viro, 
faemina et tribus filiabus, ut viderem figuras in cera exhibitas, quos 
hoc anno vidi apud Bostonienses. General W. inter personas alle- 
goricas primum locum tenet. Gub. H. sedet ad dextram, introitu 
Franklin, figuram optimam inter omnes. Plurimae formae fcemininae 
quae indicant personas diversis in locis formosas. Multi aderant, 
et approbabant propter verias res, non pauci propter viventes. 

25. Vir, qui dirigit omnia dans la maison de la Charite, mihi 
dixit hesternadie, seoptavisse me et alios predicaturos apud domum 
Charitatis. Dixit suum praedicatorem, illo rogante, fuisse. Propo- 
suit vesperam Martis, seu Veneris. Kespondi, me ad omne opus 
Religionis paratum esse, sed mihi oportere seniores meos antepon- 
ere, et rogavi ilium quaerere ab illis, quae sunt facturae. Ille rem 
non necessariam judicavit, et attulit, juniorem suum incipere, et 
mihi proximo ordine, et loco attinere. Turn dixi, me [233] Ves- 
peri, seu nocte propter religiones populos collectos not exoptare, et 
desiderare seu die dominico, seu tempore ante solis occasum. Res- 
pondit, plurimos e domo exire die Solis ad Ecclesias Oppidi, tunc 
temporis non esse necessarium, seu opportunum. Diebus laboris 
illos ab operibus detenturos. Paucos admissuros, et omnia pace 
factura esse. Dixi, si ad ecclesias prodire possint, instructiones 
habent optissimas, et nihil ultra necesse est. Tamen dixi me pre- 
sentem futurum vesperi Veneris. In animo habui per noetem, et 
mane, scripsi, me dubitare omnino de ratione concionandi in aliquo 
loco post solis occasum, et oraro ilium ne tempus eligeret, dum ego 
consulere possim Curatores Charitatis et permissione, aut regulis 
procedere suis. Verbis respondit, venturum ilium, et niecum de his 
rebus collecuturum. Ad me venit hodie Bev. Murray, ex Newbury 
Port, et niecum prandiit. Ambo ad videnda cerea ivimus, et post 
prandium ad Bostonienses progressus est. Cum illo erant Filius 
suus senior, et Candidatus mere. Rev d M. salute recuperata, et 
recuperavit amorem, et voluptatem amicorem. II est re tres agreable. 
Post prandium cum Francois equo vecti sumus ad Danvers. Poir 
voir le militare de cette ville, sur la plane de Putnam, quatre milles 



318 DIAEY OP [1791 

de la Salem. La nombre petite, mais avec artillerie, et dans la 
bonne ordre. 

[234] 26. Mane Ibam rus cum filia sola N. Richardson annis 
duodecim, ad solium videndum, ab illo possessum et ab D. Putnam 
cultivatum, positum est partim apud Dan vers partem apud Middle - 
ton prope viam per ecclesiam ulteriorem Danvers, et ultra mille, et 
quincentos passus. Preterimus ultra domum nitidutn Pastoris 
Wad[s]worth, quindenos passus, et ad dextram procedimus, ultra, 
dum collem conscendimus ad dextram habemus supra collem, per 
terras inclusas, ad pedem relinquimus semitan inclusam ad dextram, 
et progredimus ad sinistram, et Domum attingimus. Omnes absen- 
tes esse, dictum est, et dum foenum equo paratur per terram Rich- 
ardsoni perambulor. Ab Domo preteriham ad septentri[o]nem ad 
collem surgentem ad elevationem super terras adjacentes parvam. 
Pauci arbores principue Querci adstant. Colles circumjacentes, 
supereminent, et ad septeutrionem, et occidentem occludunt sylvis. 
Ex hac parte fluere aquae fluminis Ipswich plurima celeritate, pro- 
f unditate trium pedum, et cursu decern pedum lato. Aquae purissimae 
valle, qua visus terminat, minus dum per prata transeunt. Sub 
oculis flumen est quincentes passus, dum appropinquamus ad Domum 
Agricolarum : cursus ad occidentem vergit, et inter Domum et flu- 
men prata visa sunt. Supra spatium hoc, et ab rivo. ad Domum, in- 
veniuntur, pomaria, et sylvae cum pascuis. Terrae bonae sunt. 
[235] Reditu tenemus semitam sinistram, quam preterimus aditu, 
et cito advenimus ad domum Parentum Uxoris Richardson, Negli- 
gimus Domum alteram super terras Richardsonas, quae ad nullum 
usum apposita est, et pene in ruinis, prope illam ad quam iteramus. 
Hac in semita Arbores incisae, ceciderant, etmultumnos impediunt. 
Procedimus per terras inclusas sextentos passuum, et introamus Viam 
apertam, set adsistimus ad Diaconum Putnam, ubi fueram hesterno 
die, Prandimus plenis poculis, et mensa coronata multis ferculis. 
Filia nos recepit hospitaliter, et ad theam redimus ad Rev d Wads- 
worth, et cum sua familia amabili per vesperam manemus, et hora 
nona domicilia nostra oppido attingimus. 

27. Ex Gazetta apparet, navem ex hac republica apprehensam 
in servitutem Afros redigentem, esse subjectam mulctae Lege con- 
constitutae, apud Comitem Bristol. Hac vesperi cum familia vidi 
exhibitionem ceream in hoc oppidio. 

[236] 28. Patres Oppidi publice declarant illos in animos habere, 
aedificia omnia, quae sunt receptacula pauperibus et non reparari 
possunt, demolire. Ne fures, mali, &c, in illis habitarent. Multum 
ad bonum tendit. Pauperes accipiunt in aedem Charitatis. Thayer, 
ad ecclesiam Romanam ex Protestantibus conversus, mandata ex 
Episcopo Carrol accepit, ad labores in Etata Meridienaux. Nos 
dimittimus, spe ilium nunquam redire, nisi animo mitiori, et dig- 
niori. 

29. Naves hodie in portum veniunt ab India occidentali. Disci- 



1791] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 319 

mus ab illis raulta sunt tiinenda ab afris incensis, qui toti insulae 
Hispaniolae incendia et fata crudelia minitantur. Nee ab illis 
accepimus rerum statum circumstantialiter recitatum. Multum apud 
Bostonienses agitatus Res de Theatre sedificando in suo oppido. 
Tempore preterito eadem res quesita, a populis recusata est. Iterum 
contenditur apud populos, per dies duos et tandem conceditur, 
eligere cives quosdam auctoritate oppidi quaerere ex auctoritate rei 
publicae Legem Theatris prohibentein revocare. Ex parte antithea- 
trica primus est vice gubernator Adams, qui nusquam ex severitate 
Legum sumptuarium discedat. Apud nos Tontine, seu Pecunia ex 
tempore vitae [237] accepta, et ad mortem ad consociatos attinentia, 
habet animos civium divitioram. Apud Bostonienses 100,000 partes 
ab 16 ad 3. Hispanas, secundum tempus vitae, subscriptae sunt, et 
divisio post 60 annos facture sit. Apud Salem, 10,000 partes, et 
divisio post 21 annos approbatur. Subscriptio nunc temporis est 
ample. Divisiones ad 200 partes, et ultima nocte cives sunt electi, 
parrare opus, et consulere de dispositione pecuniae ad hoc inceptum 
accipiendae. 

[Oct.] 30. Solis. Preces, Lydia Maley propter mortem Matris 
Mariti defuncti et pro fratre et amicis absentibus. 

31. Hori vesperi e vita discessit M. John Symonds natus in 
Salem, in agris ad septentrionem jacentibus anno 1692, menseMaii. 
In bellis Reginae Anne bis in captivitatem vectus est inter aborigi- 
nales, captus dum pisceret prope Acadiam. Cum familiasua domum 
habuit prope locum transvectionis ad Beverly ab Salem, et paucum 
agrum coluit, reliquo tempore laborans ad serram principue. Post 
80 annos nimis infirmus ad labores severiores, tamen vim relictam 
ad mitiora applicabit, et per totam vitam potitus est animo contento, 
et ad alios benigno. Insensim facultates suas perdidit, et ad mortem 
domum quiete attinxit. 

[238] November 1. Martis. Dans la Societe marine de la Ville 
de Salem en Assemble annuelle Jeudi derniere de Octobre Les 
Officiers suivantes etes elus. General Fiske. Maitre. Capitaine 
West, Sous Maitre. Capitaine Gardiner, Tresorier. Capitaine 
Mason, Secretaire. Sept membres sont elus pour faciliter l'assist- 
ance, a tous les navires sur les cot£s, comme un Commits. 

2. Dum ad sepulturam senecis S. centum annorum adfui et 
processum funebrem ordine ponimus, Col. P.* locum tenet proximum 
faeminis, sans ceremonie, contra regulam hoc in oppido obtinentem. 
Nee collocutus, nee [bersus?] erga Clerum, ut solet. Misi ante me 
duos Viros amantissimos, majoris honoris, qui locum tenent ante 
ilium, et dum intramus in planum commune prope oppidum, exhor- 
tante amico, reliqui, et ad aedem amici procedo. Ille Vir, patriam 
relinquebat, dum bellum gerebat contra anglos. Redibat favore, et 
indulgentia. Filius est Viri huic oppido carissimi. In se nee 

*Pickman. 



320 DIARY OF [1791 

habet intelligentiam, nee mansuetudinem. Ad meos aniicos attinet 
hanc publicam injuriam observare, dum recusi ilium accipere intra 
parietes meos in tempore futuro. 

[239] 3. Nivis Tempestas per totum diem. Plurimae opiniones 
de eventu Diei postremi praeteriti. 

4. Hodie Hispani parant discedere ad Gades. Nix, inflata vetis, 
super terram in acervis quinque pedes altis, decumbit. Venit cito, 
et plurimum. Capt. Sleuman, qui adfuit apud Liverpool in Anglia, 
dum furor populi apud Birmingham contra Priestley ageret, dixit 
mihi, iratos, maledicentes, clamare, omnes, ad Americam discedat, 
locum idoneum. C. Murphy recusat navigare rate Nancy G. Fiske 
attinente, propter prohibitionem secum habendi uxorem. General 
dixit, non usitatum essa, nee ad bonum tendere. Uxorem aegrotem 
detinere ratem, et curas plurimas inutiliter oriri. Exempla inter 
nationes Europas rationibus diversis indulsa fuisse. 

[240] 5. Presses Washington ad primates venit, et cum con- 
gratulationibus usitatis. Avec les Hollandois amprunte de l'argent 
pour les etats. [Nov.] 6. Solis. Preces. Johannis Symonds et 
Sororis propter mortem sui patris centum annorum. Gratiae 
Thomae Keene propter partum uxoris. Sepultura tertiae Filise 
Viduse Hood, vicinge. Omnes aetati juvenili mortuse sunt. 

7. Hodie celebratur declaratio secundum Leges matrimonii inter 
Johannem Derby, et feeminam dandi. Neckar de Religione in No- 
vanglia imprimitur. 

8. Hodie, Cleri associati in Salem conventi, de rebus Rev: Par- 
sons apud Lynn faciunt. Literis missis, quae ilium citant, et Uteris 
neglectis quo ad responsum vel literis vel persona, & nulla facta re, 
nisi ab amicis, una voce concordatum est, iterum scribere, et ab illo 
una mense requirere, auditum rogitare, seu ipso facto ab cleris asso- 
ciatis, rejiciendum sit. Multa disputatione, sine dignitate et minima 
resolutione factum est. 

[241] 9. Hodie bis adfui in Judicatura Suprema Hujus Reipub- 
licae. Nihil disputandum fuit, quod questiones generales involvit. 
Sedes Judicis Supremi vacat. Dana solus nominatur. In dubio 
est, quis illi succedat. Septimana pluvialis est. 

10. Dicieur maritum filiae D : Stiles, Rev. M. Holmes esse una 
voce invitatum ad Curam pastoralem Congregationis Cantabrigiae, 
post tot difficultates, et dissentiones. Dicitur Dr Walter, Ecclesiam 
Episcopal em, noninatam Christi, Cantabrigiae resignasse, et nunc 
esse sub D r Parker et adjutore sue Gardiner, qui alternatim adsunt. 
In hoc oppido, Die dominico preterito, Rev d Clarke, filium admodum 
reverendi Petri Clarke, Villae Salem. Filius iste, quondam episco- 
paliter ordinatus in his ecclesiis officium habuit, nunc propter audi- 
tus defectum, et vocem immodulatam ab officiis clericis abstinot, 
sed sua stipendia ab societate pro prop : evangelium in partibus 
transmarinis accipit. Rev d Harris Septimana pretorita rediit ab 
Eboracea Nova ordinatus episcopaliter ad Ecclesiam Marmoracien 



1791] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 321 

sem. Proponitur ab Congregatione Brattle Street, Bostoniensi, 
aliis Congregationibus, oblationes, temporibus gratias publicae 
agendi, offerre die dominica precedente diei nominato Thanksgiving, 
propter paupares, qui hoc modo parantur frui charitatibus die festo. 
[242] Huic rei mihi in animo sunt objection es quae sequuntur. 

1. Ratio offerendi charitates non ad festos dies, sed ad vitae 
necessitatem pertinet. Quae donantur ad festos dies sunt oblata 
privatim ab amicis, et cognatibus pauperum. Quibus tales amici 
desunt, et ad oppida non attinent, Aedibus publicis Charitatis acci- 
piuntur. 

2. Hie mathodus novus ad diminuendas oharitates tendit. Hae 
occasiones ad charitates excitandas sunt ordinatae. Si dandum sit, 
antequam dies festi adveniunt, quae incendunt ad benencientiam 
ante oculos non sunt. Sed eodem tempore quo favores ad nostros, 
pauci ad alienos offeruntur. Sed momento horae, quo publice 
gratias agimus, et fruimur, eodum publice invitamur ad actus char- 
itatis. Haec officia facimus, domi, et Congregatione. Ambo facta 
sunt bene. Vidiamus diminutionem comparatione rerum collatarum 
diebus festis, et occasionibus per tres menses. Singular Congrega- 
tio accepit, quae sunt equalia omnibus occasionibus alteris collatis. 

3. Habitus, et vestimenta diei festi, sermo, proces, elegantia et 
concursus, omnia charitatem provocant. Die precedente, curae, 
elymosynae rerum privatarum impediunt, et congregationes non 
intrantur tam universaliter, nee talibus affectionibus. Diei Institu- 
tionem opponit omnino. 

[243] 11. V. Actio hodie contra Beverley ab Medico, qui pauper- 
ibus aliquot medicinas, et consilia administravit sine nutu, consen- 
suve Patrum, seu Selectmen. Sub Judice lis est. Judices medicum 
culpant, propter admin istrationem illicitam, et propter pecunias ab 
illo quaesitas. Apud pares est. Figurae cereae sunt apportandae 
ad Newbury Port, et Portsmouth. Mr. Bowen tanta premia in hoc 
Oppido non accepit, quam ex approbatione Metropolis expectavit. 
Decim diebus amor vivendi cessit, et mihi dixit, decim diebus tan- 
tam pecuniam, quantam viginti acciperet. Addidit unam figuram 
ceream, nominatam, Beaute de Salem. Plurimi has figuras videbant, 
sed non frequenter. Ibant curiositate inducti, et se ipsos uno visu 
satisfaciebant. Alteri pauci saepe venibant, fere cum pueris, et 
familiis. Omnes impensum unius noctis sustinent, secundi culpant. 
Incolae Oppidi has exhibitiones comparant ludis puerilibus, et ex 
oppido virum has apportantem flagellis expellere multi optant. 
Prima nocte multi intrates omnis conditiones, et apparatu optimo 
suo, voluptatem dant ex societate sperantrum, et gaudentium. 
Proxima nocte, omnes intrant, quam ad venditionem publicam. 
Laudant, condemnunt, recusant, clamitant. Cito visus nil novi 
habet. Pauci ambulant silentio, et foris exeunt. Nos caerea opera 
vidimus. 



322 DIARY OF [1791 

[244] 12. Nomina Personarum in caereis, ordine, Eex anglo, 
rum. Franklin, Bp. Prevost, Dr. Kogers, Sachem, Mad. Platfc- 
quatuor figurae allegoricae cum Pres. Washington. Beaute de Phil- 
adelphie, de Bhode isle, de Bostone, & de Saleme. Gov. Hancock, 
Sec. Hamilton, Par. Trenck, Hermit. Darby et Joan. Nauta. et Miles 
et Juvenis imprudens dans la galerie. Madamoiselle Pemberton, La 
Beaute dormi. Praeter cum Nun. Mad. Washington. Puella Af- 
ricana. Parva Bevd Livingston. Hodie actio Manning contra 
Diman ad Judices allata est. Parsons pro Diman statutam 1783, 
de rebus ecclesiasticis in parte oriente Salem, et statutam explana- 
toriam 1789. Sullivan et Bradbury pro Manning, disputantur de 
dissolutione Incorporationis, et de modo obtinendi quae sunt debita. 
Subito finitum est. Incorporatio debet 264£. 

[Nov.] 13. Solis. Preces ab Vidua Mary Andrew pr. mortem 
uxoris Fratris Jonathan. Gratiae Stephen Cloutman, pr. natum 
filiae et preces pr. Fratrem mari. Mecum habui, predicare et docere, 
M. J. Mansfield, quondam pastorem in Exeter, N. H. per quindecim 
annos apud eos habitavit, et anno preterito, dismissionem accepit, 
per concilium ecclesiasticum. Nee mores ejus accusant, nee doctri- 
nam, prudentiam vitae, franc.ois je ne scai quoi neglexis. Post dis- 
missionem ad publicum officium predicandi ilium populus invitavit, 
[245] per sex menses, tunc aliquem preceptorem Oppidi, ne iracun- 
dia seperaret. Nunc habitat in Marmoracea apud parentes, et pre- 
ceptor est Scholae Oppidanae, et ab mense Martis praedicavit apud 
societatem Cape Ann vocatam, veterem, quondam sub cura Bev. 
Bogers. 

14. Fama est, dum Bp. Seabury esset Neo. Hantonia, ilium 
predicasse apud Portsmouth, et plurima dixisse nee credita, nee 
fauta omnibus, qui auctoritatem et disciplinam Ecclesiae suae Ang- 
licanae denegunt. Inter alia, dictum erat, Bev. Macclintock apud 
Greenland, Episcopum Blasphemiae accussavisse. Bev. Ogden 
Clerus Episcopum vindicare conatus est, et modo culpabili. Nee 
veritatem exquirens, nee reum adveniens publice contra Pastorem 
invexit. Ad aures Pastoris allatum est, et pro pace, ad clerum 
Pastor scripsit. Clamor remanet, et literae, sigillis fractis apertae 
ad pastorem sunt redditae, Clerus recusavit illas legere et contemp- 
tum scribentis declaravit. Pastor ad Fratres associatos venit, et 
res sub suo judicio confidet. Bemonstrant. Literae historia cum 
insolentiae, et calumniae sunt impressae. Omnium opinio exacta 
est. Pastor vir reverendus laudatur, culpatur clerus, propter stul- 
titiam, et vanitatem, et propter irreverentiam viro optimo. Ponitet 
amicos cleri arrogantiae, et aperte clerus condemnatur. 

[246] 15. William Mason, A. M., ex hoc Oppido est Professor 
Linguae Anglicanae, et Scientiarum, vocatarum francois, les belles 
Lettres, in Academia Smithiana in Charlestown, S. C. Per totam 
septimanam tempus fuit placidum, et aestati simile. Ventus flat 
per noctem e meridiano, cum imbris. Venduntur omnia pretio vilo. 



1791] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 323 

Nulla nisi quae ad forum sunt requisita, magno pretio sunt. Dottle 
Medicus, mecum exoptans arte medica uti in hoc oppido. Nemo 
vivit hac ex parte, et mihi in animo est, ilium apud nos habitare, 
et nostros sollicitare. 

16. Societas, quae nominatur Historica, apud Bostonienses, 
proponunt octo paginas Berum ad Historiam nostram pertinentum, 
in Volumine Septimano impresso sub nomine Apollonis, typis Bel- 
nap et Young. Numerus primus imprimetur primo die Veneris 
mense Januarii, 1792. Freeman & Winthrop sunt Socii. 

17. Gratiarum Actio publica in hac Republica. Propositum est 
ab aliquo, ne aliquid in publicum affere, sed ex sua voluntate omnem 
suis manibus pauperibus daturum. Non acceptum est, quia reso- 
lutio omni publico charitati, et pauperibus sine cognatibus exponi- 
tur. Collectio publice accepta in nostra Congregatione valet ad 1 3£, 
legis pecuniam. 

[247] 18. Colloquia hyemis, ex frigore tarn cito sequente tem- 
pus mite, inita sunt. De Cleris. Predicator Independens stipen- 
dii sui derelicta quaesitus. Clerus anglicanus, rei cogitat, et nun- 
quam petit vivere modo meliori suis amicis, et rogat diminuere 
stipendia, promissa (tamen non nunquam perfecta). Primus inter 
pares confitetur, se accepturum omnia omni genere, quae in f am ilia 
sua usui forent. Enthusiasticus ex charitati pendet. Centies ab 
divitibus omnia accepit, sed eget semper. Caelebo nunc temporis 
magis habet, sed quam in dubio est. 

19. Pes parantur quae debita sunt Pastori defuncto solvere, se- 
cundum Leges, ab Judicibus interpretatos. Omnes hoc tempore 
volunt, et scripta subsignanda portantus ab viris difflcillimis ad 
populos. 

[248] [Nov.] 20. Solis. Per totum diem nemo cecinet Psalmos 
Ecclesiae. Ausus sum plurima dicere, ad populos exhortandos, ne 
psalmorum cantus, et symphoniam negligerant. Dedi in sermone 
Historiam symphoniae in nostris ecclesiis, et juvenes hortatus sum. 

21. Vidi Libros Plummer Medici defuncti, et in animo habur 
emere. Catalogus habet praetia vilis, ima, unde Vidua hortatui 
omnes uno tempore publice vendere apud Bostonienses. Aliquot 
amici illam urgebant, emere plura Volumina, et ex optimis colligere, 
et off errere Collectionem Auctorum medicorum magnam, et optimam. 
Dixi, inter nos non succedunt. Omes expectant paucos libros ex 
manibus privatis. Terris antiquis, et urbibus maximis undique libri 
colliguntur. Vidi libros apud Bostonienses venditos, et non in 
meliorem partem propter numerum illorum. 

22. Conventus parochialis vocatur per Magistratum de rebus 
Pastoris defuncti deliberare, et debita sua solvere. Exit ante id : 
decemb. Incendium in domo Hosmer supra focinn incipiebat, dum 
familia in altera parte domi abesset. Quadam ante focum pende- 
bant, propter infantuem, et igni accensa flammas ad lignum perveh. 
ebant. 



324 DIARY OF [1791 

[249] 23. In diem 18, 12 Tons of Hops in hoc oppidum allata 
sunt ad exportationem. Rev. N. Harris, in matrimonio habet 
filiam Rev: Clarke, Lexington, et Rector St Michaelisap. Marmora- 
ceaenses constitutus est ab ordinatione episcopali. 

24. Societas marina quotidie nomina addita habet. Queritur, 
an Sermo ab Cleris pararetur, ad suas charitates promovendas non 
consentitur. Propositum est a me, constituere, Clerum ex Ecclesiis 
ministrum Societatis, et assignare efficium adeundi omnes nautos 
cujuscumque nationis, et dandi omnia adjumenta rerum suarum, 
legibus exponendis, offerendis versionibus suarum scriptarum, et cet. 

25. Hodie celebratus ab operatoribus, qui funes faciunt, in novo 
edificio, protalibus operibus facto, Czarina Catharina, quae in favor- 
em hos viros accepit. Flags, Pendants, Jacks, &c. ab navibus 
collecta, ad loca ad haec opificia accomodata, usa sunt, et caema 
paratura. Briggs Methodus novus, omnes ad opera continentur, et 
vesperi fruuntur quae parantur. [250] Hodie, et nunquam antea 
adivi ad rupes adjacentes prope arenas erga Beverley projectas, 
vocatae B. Bar. Hac rupes nominatae D'ecreisse, Lobster, proprie 
Rams Horn, jacent 200 pedes ad occidentem, & ab illis arenae in- 
flectuntur ad orientem. Attitudo harum est decim pedum ab fun- 
do. Parvae sunt positae ab albissimis erga arenas dimidium distan- 
tiae. Una alta super alias est ad orientem, sed plures ad occiden- 
tem. Tali modo mari fluit, ut reliquet omnes siccas, seu potius, 
omnes omnino reliqueret. Limus pedibus dat locum, et supra calicas 
submergimus. Accessus facillimus ab arenis est ab inflectione in 
lapides quae erga arenas adjectas jacent. 

26. Accepi a Portsmouth libellum literas Doctoris Macclintock, 
et Ogden, continentem. Incipit controversia ab visitatione Sea- 
bury, Episcopi, qui in Carmine suo ad ordinationem Cleri Fowle, 
conatus est in lucem afferre disputationes de Ordinatione Episco- 
pali et Presbyteriana, et ausus etiam revocarein dubiumnon tantum 
ministerium Congregationale, sed etiam salvationem. D r M. pres- 
ens ad concionem, subsidebat, et destultitia Episcopi colloquebatur. 
Verba sua, irato Clero Ogden, illata sunt ab filia juvenili, Episco- 
pum blasphemare. Negat D r . M. se contempsisse Episcopum 
propter audaciam confessus est. O. omni occurrenti dicit verba 
D r M. [251] Omnia cura D r . M. negare perseverat, & testes advocat. 
Faemina dicitur. Negatur. Literae missae sunt ad D r M. ab Ogden 
propter defamationem confessionem requirens, seu silentium. Re- 
spondet Clerus cum asperitate, et allegationibus contra Ecclesias 
Congregationales. Iterum scripsit D r M. et suam vindicationem 
amplissimam profert. Ridet, contemnit, alios ad contemptum meri- 
tum provocat. Clerus recusat literas legere sed frangit sigilla. 
Literae hoc in modo sunt reditae Doctori. Ad amicos afferuntur, 
imprimantur, omnes dicunt. Doctor adjecit Questiones de Uteris 
cum sigillis fractis, quae stultitiam, ignorantiam, et cet. Pleri expo- 
nunt. 



1791] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 325 

[Nov.] 27. Solis. Grat: Johii Watson, propter natum filii. 
Preces pro Th : Keene, exeuntera in mare, et filio super mare. Fen- 
estrae congregationales Ecclessiae nostrae lavabatur septimana 
preterita, et hoc commodissimura est. Hodie nobiscura apparuit 
M. Groce, qui prae est syraphoniae. Sedes ad symphonistas paratae, 
sunt aeceptae pleno ciioro, et haec pars tamdiu neglecta devotionis 
acceptabiliter apparet. Est nobis in animis per stipendia hujus 
Groce in nostra symphonia retinere. Plurimum valebit ad benefic- 
ia associationis. 

[252] 28. Rupes prope arenas erga Beverley projectas non con- 
funderentur rupibus, quae jacent supra, et proprie sunt Lobster. 
Rupes ad arenas sunt Ranishorn. Subscriptionera subsignavi im- 
premere Opus Septimanum sub nomine Apollo, quod ab societate 
historica nuper instituta editum fuerit. 

29. In Instituta Associatione Fratrum Masonum conceditur, per 
noctem 1 1-2 solidum accepturuin. In person addi Art. IV, Sect. 1, 
post apply, &c. Hodie in Gazetta directiones sunt publicata de Phar- 
os edificata super insulam Tybee, prope Georgian!. 

30. Proposui esse proprietor in Bibliotheca Socia, M. Puelleno, 
qui inter primos agit hac in re. Fama est, Capt Loring prope Cape 
Ann in Oceanum ex oris nostris redire coactus est, non in nave, sed 
illis quae pertinent ad navein navigandam passus. Plurimi responsa 
dant Scriptis contra revolutionem Gallicam ab Burke, et dicitur, 
omnia legi merentur. Auimorum avertio ab servitute Afrorum 
quotidie famam malorum de absentibus apud Afros fert, attamen 
nemo audet legum auxilium invocare, ne cives nostri ad oras Afri- 
canas transeant, in servitutem Afros redigere. Nos ad Hyemem 
appropinquamus, dum labor, et voluptas aperto cselo prosequuntur. 

[253] Dec. 1. Ex Boston audimus de morte E. Robinson, Arti- 
ficis navalis qui ssepissime laboravit hoc in Oppido, praecipue in 
ornamentis navalibus. Ad opera sua sedens ad puppim navis ab 
alia nave pretereunte instanter mortuus, ab subita compressione. 
Fidelis fuit, et benevolus. 

2. Nil de Tontine audimus. Nee Juris consultus, nee Clerus, nee 
Medicus ex incolis Oppidi invenitur. Quaerimus unde venit. Divites 
sine Uteris de genio, scientia, et artibus nisi cum labore contemnunt. 
Pauci diplomatici, ex scientia, ad officia mercatoris, seu nautse rere 
applicaverunt. Dicitur, minime diplomatica ad negotia conducent. 
Scribere et adnumerare conantur, dum legere docentur ab viris, vita 
abductis, arcta superstitione redactis. De his rebus colloquia multa. 

[Dec] 4. Solis. Textus concionis ab merito Uxoris defunctae, 
Jon a Archer jun r cum liberis propter Uxorem defunctum. Vidua 
H. Browne propter mortem sororis Archer et prec. pro filiis absenti- 
bus mari. Andrew Ward cum filio, et sororis, propter mortem fra- 
tris, qui mortuus insulis Am. et pro patre, absenti mari. 

[254] 5. Faemina quae in matrimonium inducta est viro Mc- 
Daniel, timeat, ne batismo nominatus Mary, in injuriam deferetur 



326 DIARY OF [1791 

illam matrimonium nomen Polly accepisse. Dixi nihil ad hanc rem, 
&c. Francus, mihi allatus, ab M. Mario, nomine Grammond, alias, 
&c.post colloquium horarum paucarum a me discessit, et vesperi mihi 
literas indixit, declarans se de me omnia expectasse, &c. Domi iste 
genealogiam honorabilam factitabat, et de se et suis mira dixit. In 
suis Uteris totam orthographiam neglexit, et omnia, quae inter 
homines literatum communium observantur. Hoc notatus in usum, 
ne crede color i. 

6. Permissionem dedi C. Byrne alium Creolum in M. Domum 
nostrum inducendum. Mandata sequentia sunt obedienda : primo, 
se habere benigne erga omnes, et domum redire ante noctem, secun- 
do, nee intrare in bibliothecam ante tertiam horam, nee illic manere 
post horam decimam, tertio, diebus solis, nee ab cultu divino abesse, 
nee feris ambulare ullo modo. Presens fui inter Masonas, et ves- 
titum ab Hodges accepi. Dans la Gazette de cette Ville, dit elle, 
la gouvernement de Halifax, a advertise pour une mille tonnage de 
batiment, pour porter les Africains a la Guinee. 

[255] 7. Decessit e vita, Eliza Bowditch, faemine qui, 19 
Oct. ab ostio sororis decidebat in lapidem. Egregium patien- 
tise exemplum exhibuit, et per acutissimas dolores, sese ad 
fata resignavit et morte acquievit. Voluntas est multorum, anato- 
mice exquirere injuriam, an consensus amicorum obtineri possit? 
nescio hoc tempore. Incolae hujus Oppidi divisionis, nominatae,the 
Parish, convenere, et ad officia elexere tres viros, comitatus et tres, 
evaluationis et capitationis. Potestates ad libitum sunt datae prior- 
ibus, unde pauca presagia pacis. Primo. Manning, Richardson, 
"White. Secundo. Ward, Archer, Hodges. 

8. Adfui dum medici Holyoke & Paine anatomice exquirebant 
injuriam aeconomiae animali Puellae defunctae. Hepar inventum est 
sanum. Et per totum corpus, nulla injuria apparuit, nisi in renem 
rectum. Capsulare membranum hujus renis ad pleuram adhesit, 
impletum fuit ab nigro, et putrido liquore et ab illo pars demissa 
renis dissoluta fuit. Conjecturam in animo habuit, illam currentem 
omni vi, contusione arteriam rupisse, cum fuit primo plurima san- 
guis arteriosa, dimissa. 

[256] 9. Reduit ad Newbury Port, Milton, Calvinistis, qui 
nuper, dum Murray aegrotaret, apud Presbyterianos fuit minister, 
ad se plurimos attraxit, et opinio est, divisionem orituram. Secum 
adduxit Uxor sua ad ilium Oppidum. Sepultura B. Bowditch, 
responsa dedi Clero. Noote ventus. Die tempus serenum, frigus 
moderate. 

10. Beau temps. Apud G. Fiske cum meis duobus Creolis. 
Nemo consentit in navem accipere M. Grammond, qui nunc apparet 
esse sine minimis, et sine spe. 

[Dec.] 11. Solis. Preces propter mortem filiae amantissimee ab 
patre et filiis suis. Gratias propter parturitionem Uxoris F. Wil- 
liams, illo in mare nunc temporis. Cum Clerus Ecclesiae anglican 



1791] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 327 

preces legeret die sepulturse, nihil excogitavi de amicis defunctae 
filiae, et tamen apud nos hodie adfuerunt. Concio nihil ad hanc 
rem attinuit, et multum vexationis mihi oftulit, et amicis maeroris. 
Turn in animo habui, intermissione scribere, et paravi concionem 
funebreni, brevem vero, sed de defuncta filia tractantem omnino. 
Ad has cruras adductus sum, propter amantissimam defunctam 
faeminam, quae meritus est eulogio, et ilia neglecta, nunquam ausus 
sim alteram laudare. 

[257] 13. Hodie versatus sum cum Groce, de Psalmis cantandis 
in Ecclesia. Proponitur ilium pretium operis rogitandum. Negat, 
et se ipsum multis modis excusat. Dixit, incertum fuit, an place- 
ret, vel iis, qui suum cantarent, vel congregationi. Tandem con- 
sentit proponere demidollar per diem Solis. Ex animo consensum 
dedi, et promissi stipendia ad 30 Dollaria estimandas, et sedere 
uxori me daturum infra in aliquam stellam. Postquem anxius sum 
ne ego culparetur propter impulsum anirai potius addere, quam 
detrahere stipendiis, cognitus genium paucorum, qui omni re occa- 
sionem petunt ad dissensiones. In dubio sum, an redirem, et illi 
dicerem, populum daturum 26 Dollaris, me, alia seu an silentium 
exigirem. Aliqui presentes tunc ad scientium sunt injungendi. Ex 
omnibus, resolutio venit, ne precipitanter alia facerem, et locum 
potius beneficentiae relinquerem. 

[258] 14. Audimur ab Uteris G. Hodges, Grant, Juvenem, sub- 
magistrum Navis ad Africam navigantis, mortuum esse. Mag: 
Sinclairo. Timemus ne navis sub nomine mercatoris Gray periisse 
sinu Biscay. Ab est navis ad Page pertinens, Mag : Martino. Ab est 
navis sub nomine M. Richardson, ambo ab Insulis Indiae occiden- 
talis. Loring. Navi ad Derbos pertinenti, approximavit portum et 
hunc temporis ab est, sed fata sua non timemus. 

15. Dum D r Whitaker apud nos fuit, in animo suo habuit mihi 
retribuere propter risum de concione Meroz, quam audivi ab illo. 
Iterum risum teneamus. Beau temps. Hyems appropinquat cum 
favore. 

16. De libro H. Adams de omnibus opinionibus inter Homines, 
cogito totum opus posse in Methodum feliciorem reduci, inquirendis 
doctrinis, quae fundamentalia dicuntur, et ex quibus, ut fontibus, 
opiniones fiuunt. Haec sunt pauca, omnibus hominibus, et fortasse 
principium solum plurimis. Ut 

Calvinisti, decretum ex parto ante. 

Arminio ex parto post. 

Sociniano revelatio per hominem. 

Ariano per preexistentem. 

Semiariano per similem Deo. 

Athanasio per verum Deum, &c. 

[259] Inde variae inferiores opiniones sunt deductae. Methodus 
est simplex, et hinc apparabit tot homines, tot opiniones et denonii- 
natic non est hominum ullius nominis, sed opinionis, quae plurime 



328 diary op [1791 

valet inter Christianos, et quae inde nomen particulare obtinuit, seu 
nomen defensoris retinet. 

17. Hodie exaudimus milites nuper sub armis Stat, foed : fuisse 
repulsos aboriginalibus, et per omnes excisos. Plurimos Juvenes 
ex hac republica, familiarum nostrarum desideratissimos, occisos, 
et terrore maxima omnes agros agricolarum desertos. Opinio fre- 
quentissima est, nos provocasse natives Indios, et remotis pace, et 
terris ab illis, nos metipsos bello sanguineo, et longo, paravisse. 

[Dec.] 18. Solis. Richard Manning, jun r . gratias propter foem. 
puerperam. Nath. Silsbee, preces, ex morte patris. Hie est primus 
dies solis, quo Groce ad symphoniam stipendio venit, pretium labo- 
ris est 3 8 / per diem et per annum 30d. sunt illi habenda. Culpan- 
dus sum, proper contractum tarn festinanter factum, quia timendum 
est, an non injuriam ferrem contractui, ad Juvenes docendos in 
symphoniam. Dies pluvialis. 

[260] 19. Capt Byrne ex navibus White dismissus est. Tribulae. 
Buttons manufactse in Connecticut, nunc Congressius submissae, 
dicuntur esse ad honorem industrae. Manufacturiae Statuum foader- 
atorum multiplicant. Literae inter Am : et Franciam missae, pro- 
mittunt novam Cornmerciae Treaty, in honorem novae Constitutionis, 
&c. 

20. In Gazetta impressae sunt S* Clari Literae, de rebus militari- 
bus terrae interioris. Est nobis timenda clad em maximam nostro- 
rum militum ex aboriginalibus esse. Fama est Gen : Lincoln man- 
data accepit, ad Philadelphiam veniret citissime, de rebus Indianis 
ad consilium illic habendum. 

21. Fama est Civitatem Port au Prince in Hispaniola fuisse in- 
censam ab Servis africanis, efc cives cum faeminis et filliolis ad naves 
fugisse. Nomen meum subscripsi, accipere Librum cui Titulus est, 
Annual Register, ab Brenn in Philadelphia impressum. impensis 
duorum Doll : 

22. Hac Septimuna, Joh: Derby in possessionem venit Domus 
lateralis, quo parentes sui, et Frater West, habitabant, non desid- 
evio aut voluntate, sed ex voluntate parentum, Edificia millo in loco 
habentium. 

[261] 23. Tempus quo Sol benigne lucet, et Hyems fugit. Ibam 
ad Juniper, et lavabam pedes meos, aquis prope litorem, nil timens, 
nil patiens. D r Brown ab Halifax est apud Bostonienses, et dic- 
itur ilium predicasse magna fama. Hoc exaudio ab Bernard, et ru- 
more. 

24. Veni, et vidi iEdificiuin novum , pour distiller les eaux for- 
tes, ad Joshuam Ward attinens, ad locum nominatum, Ward's 
Wharf, infra la rue Washington, prope la riviere. Dans l'Attelisr 
de Pierce, forgeron, Je vidi opus paratum de la Cuivre, et vasee 
continentes 1070 Gallons, factas de bois. 

[Dec] 25. Solis. Preces propter mortem Fratris, ab Hannah 
Peele et pro marito absenti mari. Dies vocatus Christmas. 



1791] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 329 

Plures in Ecclesia anglicana colliguntur. Navis maxima Derby 
hodie in aquas profundas Portus navigat. Incolse, nautae, et cives 
auxilium dant, parando. 

26. Tempus serenuin, et set mitis. Homines aperto caelo ad la- 
bores omnes suas accedunt. Portus nee aquis profundis, nee locis 
ad terram glacie est occluses. Ex Philadelphia audimus, naves in 
portu discedere non possunt propter glaciem. Aliter nobis est. 
Fama est, Gen Scott in terram interiorem profectus est. 

[262] 27. The season has been very remarkable. We had a 
snow storm in the end of October, & much snow fell, but it soon 
disappeared, & we have not had one day since in which a man might 
not comfortably work out of doors. This day was particularly 
pleasant. The Sun shone bright all day. The Streets were filled 
with visitants in the dress of summer, & there was nothing to des- 
ignate winter, but the general want of vegetation. No ice has 
formed even in scales upon the wharves, & the ponds have been 
broken every day after they have formed. 

28. The weather continues fine. We had a fog this morning, 
which soon cleared off. The water ran in the streets. We could 
be comfortable without fire, or without any inconvenience in the 
open air. The Sun was bright, & without clouds. The weather 
remarkable. In looking over the papers of M r John Symonds who 
died aged 100 years, I find the following history of his G. Grand- 
father, who came to America. Henry Skerry aet 83, & Nath : Felton, 
aet 69 depose, that they were neighbours of John Symonds, Joiner, 
in Great Yarmouth, in Norfolk in England, about fifty years before, 
it being then 1685. And that they knew his Son James Symonds 
& that John Symonds died at Salem, New England to which he re- 
moved in 1670, & that he expected Lands would fall to him in Nor- 
wich, Norfolk. [263] John Symonds married Euth Fox in Yar- 
mouth. James Symonds, Son of John married 1661. He had six 
sons & six daughters. His Son John was born 1666. Henry Sker- 
ry's will is executed 1697. John Water's will, 1706-7. They were 
the neighbours at the ferry. John, Son of John Symonds, was born 
1692 and died 1791. Nathaniel Silsbee was apprentice to James, 
& deposed that he possessed land in North Field during his appren- 
ticeship, 1707. The estate of James Symonds is settled in 1715. 
The estate of John Symonds is settled in 1738. The children of 
James Symonds are Mary, 1662. Ruth, 1663. John, 1666. Eliz- 
abeth, 1668. James, 1670, died 1672. Elizabeth, 1672-3. James, 
1674. Thomas, 1677. Elizabeth, 1679. Joseph, 1681-2. Benja- 
min, 1684. Sarah, 1687-8. Among the papers we find many re- 
lating to the Estate of Browning, in which John Symonds, who died 
1791 is called uncle, from which we suppose what the relation must 
be. We find no papers which will inform of the antient history, as 
the claims of James are supported by depositions that he had pos- 
session from his ancestors. 



330 DIARY OF [1791 

[264] 29. The uncommon pleasant weather continues. This 
season was introduced by early & plentiful rains, & has been mild 
throughout, but in December, except at very short spells, not only 
comfortable but pleasant. Ego hoc tempore conatus sum parare 
sedes symphonise Ecclesiae, magno pretio, et Maxima animi ansore, 
quae sunt mutate, sunt non necessaria, altamen abmagistro, et novo 
quodam petita. Negant se futuros sub obligatione ulla illo tem- 
pore. Sine consensu comitatus in privates res sui limites sunt ex- 
tensi, et nullo opitulatus sum. Difficile est ullos ad symphoniam 
provocare, satisfacere impossibile est. Neo exopto animum meum 
in chartas. 

30. The fine weather continues. It has not been so cold through 
the season as once to freeze my ink in the large chamber I occupy. 
Business is not sensibly retarded upon the Wharves, & in the Har- 
bour. We see no mittens on the hands of the workmen, we heard 
no complaints of oppressive poverty, a proof how much the article 
of wood adds to the wants of the poor, who are not provident in 
summer, & who yet can labour for the other part of their support. 
Wood on the wharves 20 8 /, walnut in carts 22 s / pr. cord. M r8 
Fiske & Hodges have put us in good heart about our curtains for 
the singing seats. 

[265] 31. Another very fine day. The sun shone without inter- 
ruption. The air was pleasant enough for amusement & labour, & 
not an air of winter, but in the prevailing sterility. We are all 
comparing notes. Some have gathered dandalions on Christmas, 
but there was a snow storm next day. This month has been mod- 
erate throughout. Some have seen little frost throughout winter, & 
bad travelling. The travelling at present is the most perfect imag- 
inable. There has been a frost in the ground, & it has remained 
without any sensible increase or decrease through the month. This 
day not a sign of ice was to be seen on the rocks round the neck, or 
in any place within the islands. Vessels of the smallest burden are 
passing and repassing as in the most pleasant season. We are told 
they have snow enough back 50 miles, & at Portsmouth snow fell 
last Sunday, when we had a flight continuing about an hour. All 
say, never the like in some respect or other, & we may say it if we 
like, a great many times. In my cursory review for Sunday, I 
found 52 incorporated Towns in 1692, and at 40 families 5 in a 
family, & allowing besides for great towns I made about 24,000 in- 
habitants, which is full large enough. The fishery began in 1715, 
of which we have any regular account from the national records, 
see Secretary's reports. 

[266] Jan. 1, 1792. Sunday. The weather changing from that de- 
lightful season we have had into damp, & at length snow. This day 
Buffington sang with us in the new singing seats. They are 16 by 9 
feet, & eight high on the sides & ten in back. Four plain pillars 
support the curtains in front, & the entrance is at the back, & a 



1792] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 331 

passage through the middle, the ladies' seats on the right, & the 
men on the left. The singing was excellent. The seats were not 
finished entirely, but the success beyond my expectations. Notes. 
Francis Grant, death of his only Son. Samuel Waters, wife's deliv- 
ery. A good maxim for the year, to care less what people say, & 
more what I do. 

2. The Snow soon turned to rain, while it continued snowing in 
the Country back of us. The weather is moderate, raining a little 
at times. The Snow back of us makes us begin seriously to think of 
winter. The streets are running with water, & the earth barely 
covered with the snow & water. We are informing that Congress 
are about to provide a bounty upon the fishery, & if possible to ap- 
portion it to the labours of individuals. 

[267] 3. Rain continued till this morning, & then the sun 
broke out, & we had most pleasant weather. Lodge night. Paravi 
legere pauca de institutione Masonica sed cito inveni, fratres me ex 
hoc officio excusaturos. Fratus primo, nihil dixi, et sapientiam ac- 
cepi considerando. I, iterum ne pecces. Ogden has written an 
answer to Macclentock, refusing him all his titles, & styling him- 
self, Presbyter, &c, &c. 

4. The fine weather continued, no ice formed & walking abroad 
has the advantage of dry paths, as well as a clear sky. The Snow 
is round us, & we are expecting every day that the season will set 
in. No interruption as yet to business. School night, & school 
opened for the first time. No new scholars, offer. Opus manibus 
incertis pronitur. Novus quidam magestro opitulans semper vajus. 
Quondam senior amicus distans, pro causa incognita, &c. Things 
wear a dark appearance. I examined the parish list to see what 
young children could be provided, encouraged, & taught. It is my 
opinion this subject has cost me more time, money, & care than any 
other in my ministry. Perseverando is my motto, nil exit is the 
explanation. 

[268] 5. Great Yarmouth in the county of Norfolk in England, 
in the State of England, for 1769 is mentioned as an antient member 
of the Cinque Ports situated on the Yare, from whence its name. 
The Inhabitants very rich from the Herring Fishery, & more strict 
in the observance of the Christian Sabbath than any in the King- 
dom. All scenes of gaiety, such as theatrical exhibitions, & gam- 
ing are under the least encouragement. From hence the Skerries, 
Symonds, Feltons, &c. who settled in Salem, & Skerries who settled 
on the shore opposite Beverly. Camden is of opinion that the pres- 
ent Yarmouth was built in King John's time, & surrounded with 
walls, that after a plague, & some unfortunate circumstances "Jam 
inde vero animus fractior fuit, nee ita ab opibus firmi rei mercato- 
riae, et hale cum capturse, quae in hac ora fortius orbis est uber- 
rima, quanter incumbunt, longinquas navigationes suscipiunt," &c. 
They were then fishermen, perhaps a pestilence which carried off in 



23 


24 


24 


25 


25B 


21 


26 


39 


27 


49 


28 


43 


29 


32 


30 


34 


31 


41 



332 DIARY OF [1792 

one year, 1348, 7050 souls, occasioned the rigour of their manners 
& the decline of trade obliged them to longinquas navigationes from 
which we reap the benefit. D r Holyoke furnished to me the follow- 
ing Table containing the state of Fareinheit's Thermometer at 2 h. 
P. M. during the pleasant month of December last, the most remark- 
able in my remembrance, & said by the old people to resemble the 
year 1745 in which Cape Breton was taken the first time. 

Days. Degrees. Days. Degrees. Days. Degrees. 

1 44 12 38 

2 48 13 33 

3 38 14 28 
B 40 15 35 

5 40 16 35 

6 33 17 — 

7 31 B 38 

8 28 19 36 

9 28 20 25 
10 30 21 31 

B 43 22 30 mean. 34.7. 

[270] Last night snow & rain fell which rendered the walking 
disagreeable, the weather begins to be severe, & we are now in ex- 
pectation of winter. 

7. The weather has become cold, the harbour is however free. 
The glasses been below 0. This afternoon for the first time I was 
introduced to Judge Oliver, who has distinguished himself by several 
philosophic publications, on Comets, Water-Spouts, &c. I was 
much gratified by the reception. He has been long confined by the 
gout, & other disorders, which with some domestic causes have 
tended much to lessen the vigour of his mind. I found him chear- 
ful, communicative, unreserved, & was enabled to spend several 
hours with him with great enjoyment. He has removed into the 
house of Judge Lynde, his Father in Law. We were accompanied 
by Madam, & her Son Peter. 

List for 1792 [of Members of the Church.] 

Allen, Edward, Cap 1 , Mariner, Derby Street. 
Andrew, Abigail, Maiden, Daniel's Lane. 
Andrew, Mary, Widow, Bow or Great Street. 
Archer, Jon a sen r , Barber, Great Street, Ives' corner. 
Archer, Jon a jun r , Tanner, Derby's Lane.* 
Archer, Jon a tert., Barber, Great Street. 
Archer, John, C M Mariner, Common Street. 
Archer, Samuel, Barber, Great Street Common. 
Archer, James, Shoemaker, Great Street. 

•Herbert Street? 



1792] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 333 

Archer, Hannah, Widow, Common Street. 
Ashbey, Thomas, C, Mariner, Great Street. 

Babbidge, Susannah, School dame, Great Street. 

Babbidge, Christopher, C, Mariner, Great Street. 

Babbidge, John, Boat Builder, Daniel's Lane. 

Bateman, Michael, Mariner, Turner's Lane. 

Bates, Mary, Widow, Great Street. 

Batoon, John, Mariner, English's Lane. 

Becket, Mary, Widow, Derby Street. 

Becket, John, Boat Builder, Cap 1 , Becket Street. 

Becket, James, Lieut., Mast Maker, Derby Street. 

Beadle, Lydia, Widow, Turner's Lane. 

Berry, John sen r , C, Mariner, in the Customs, Daniel's Lane. 

Berry, John jun r , Mariner, Great Street. 

Berry, Abigail, Maiden, Shop Keeper, Daniel's Lane. 

[272] Beane, Ester, Widow, Daniel's Lane. 

Bickford, John, C, Mariner, Great Street. 

Brooks, Samuel, Merchant. 

Bray, John, Shoemaker, Great Street. 

Boardman, Francis, C, Mariner, Common. 

Briggs, Johnson, C, Mariner, Long Wharf lane. 

Browne, William, Tanner, Browne's Lane. 

Browne, Benjamin, Tanner, Common. 

Browne, James, Ensign, Merchant, Hardy's Lane. 

Browne, Nancy, Widow, Great Street. 

Bowditch, Mary, Schooldame, Long Wharf Lane. 

Bowditch, Habaccuc, C, Mariner. 

Burrell, Mansfield, Carpenter, Great Street. 

Burns, Hannah, Widow, Long Wharf Lane. 

Byrne, Clifford, C, Mariner, Derby's Lane. 

Browne, Joseph, C, Mariner, Great Street. 

Browne, Jonathan, Carpenter, Neck. 

Burchmore, John, C, Mariner, Daniel's Lane. 

Batten, Mary, Widow, Turner's Lane. 

Burroughs, Mary, Widow, Becket's Lane. 

Cayson, Benjamin, Mariner, Derby Street. 
Chever, Samuel, Tanner, Common. 
Chever, Benjamin, Tanner, Common. 
[273] Chever, James, C, Mariner, Great Street. 
Coombs, Abigail filia, keeping house, Common. 
Crowninshield, George, C, Mariner, Derby Street. 
Crowninshield, Benjamin, C, Mariner, Great Street. 
Crowninshield, Hannah, Widow, Great Street. 
Cloutman, Hannah, Widow, Great Street. 
Cloutman, Benjamin, Carpenter, Neck. 



334 DIARY OF [1792 

Cloutman, Stephen, Caulker, Hodges Lane. 
Cloutman, Daniel, Labourer, Daniel's Lane. 
Collins, John sen r , Fisherman, Great Street. 
Collins, John jun r , C, Mariner, Turner's Lane. 
Collins, James, Shoemaker, Hodges' Lane. 
Collins, Mary, Widow. 

Chipman, Thomas, C, Mariner, Great Street. 
Clarke, Mary, Widow, Browne's Lane. 
Crispin, William, Labourer. 
Crookshanks, Joseph, Mariner, English's Lane. 
Clearage, Joseph, Caulker, Great Street. 
Clarke, Elizabeth, Widow, Browne's Lane. 
Curtis, Abigail, Widow, Daniel's Lane. 
Cooke, William, Trader, Great Street. 
Creeley, James, Mariner, Derby Street. 
Carroll, James, Labourer, Daniel's Lane. 

[274] Dean, Benjamin, C, Mariner, Hardy's Lane 

Dean, Thomas, C, Mariner, Derby Street. 

Dean, George, Mariner, Hardy's Lane. 

Dean, Polly, Maiden. 

Daniels, Benjamin, Mariner. 

Dodge, Joshua, Tanner, Derby Street. 

Dale, John, Distiller. 

Diman, Thomas, Fisherman, On the Neck. 

Elkins, Mary, Widow, Bow Street. 

Elkins, Sarah, Widow, Long Wharf Lane. 

Elkins, Henry, C, Mariner, Bow Street. 

Edwards, John, Labourer, Great Street. 

English, Philip, Sexton, Bow Street. 

English, Andrew, Labourer. 

Eulin, Edward, Mariner. 

Fairfield, John, Carpenter, Becket Street. 

Fairfield, Rebecca, Widow, Bow Street. 

Foot, Samuel, Mariner. 

Franks, Joseph, Labourer, On the Neck. 

French, Joshua, Carter. 

Fiske. Gen'l John, Merchant, Fiske's Lane. 

Foye, William, Ropemaker, Bow Street. 

[275] Gale, Anne, Widow, Derby Street. 
Gale, Martha, Widow, Bow Street. 
Gennis, Peter, Mariner. 
Greenwood, Elizabeth, Shopkeeper. 
Grant, Francis, Fisherman, At the Bridge. 

•Walnut Street. 



1792] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 335 

Gould, Jonathan, Labourer. 

Gill, Priscilla, Schooldame. 

Gibaut, Edward, C, Mariner, Great Street. 

Gunnison, John, Ship Carpenter. 

Gaines, Josiah, Ropemaker, Bow Street. 

Gardiner, Benjamin, Ropemaker, Bow Street. 

Herrick, Barnabas, Carpenter. 

Hodges, John, C, Mariner, Bow Street. 

Hodges, Benjamin, C, Mariner, Bow Street. 

Hodges, Gamaliel, C, Mariner, Bow Street. 

Hodges, George, C., Mariner, Brown's Lane. 

Hodges, Joseph, Trader. 

Hosmer, Joseph, C, Mariner, On the Common. 

Hill, John, Tobacconist. 

Hutchinson, Mary, Widow, Turner's Lane. 

Hutchinson, Benjamin, Blacksmith, Turner's Lane 

Hawkes, Benjamin, Boat builder, Derby Street. 

Hovey, Amos, Merchant, Turner's Lane. 

Hart, John, Mariner. 

Hodgedon, Mary, Widow, Becket's Lane. 

[275] Hitchins, Abijah, Carpenter, Becket Street. 

Harthorne, Susannah, Widow, Bow Street. 

Ingersoll, Samuel, C, Mariner, Turner's Lane. 

Jeffrey, Walter, Mariner. 

Jeffrey, James, Mariner, Bow Street. 

Joy, Joseph, Shoemaker, Derby Street. 

Knight, Sarah, Schooldame, Ives' Lane. 
Knight, Benjamin, C, Mariner, Turner's Lane 
King, William, Turner. 
King, Lydia, Widow, Hodge's Lane. 
Kehou, Samuel, Mariner. 

[276] Keen, Thomas, Mariner, Bow Street 

Knap, Mary, Widow, Becket Lane. 

Lambert, Mary, Widow. 

Lambert, Joseph, C, Mariner. 

Leach, Mary, Widow. 

Lef avre, Amos , Taylor. 

Lazell, George, Labourer. 

Lander, Mary, Widow. 

Lane, Nicholas, Sailmaker. 

Mason, Jon a sen r , C, Mariner. 



336 DIABY OF [1792 

Mason, Jon* jun r , C, Mariner. 

[277] Masury, Deliverance, Widow. 

Masury, John, Mariner. 

Masury, Mercy, Widow. 

Masury, James, Cooper. 

Masury, Thomas, Mariner. 

Masury, Samuel, Mariner. 

Manning, Richardson,* Merchant, Justice, C, Mariner. 

Manning, Richardson jun r ,* Blacksmith, Horse Letter. 

Millet, Jona sen r , C, Mariner, Cooper. 

Millet, Jona jun r , Mariner. 

Millet, William, Mariner. 

Millet, Elizabeth,Widow. 

Martin, David, Mariner. 

Malcolm, David, Mariner. 

Mascoll, Hannah, Schooldame. 

Murray, Elizabeth, Widow. 

Murry, Lydia, Widow. 

Murray, Peter, Cooper. 

Murray, Polly, Widow. 

Macgregory, John, C , Mariner. 

Macgrau, Elizabeth, Widow. 

Meservey, Ann, Widow. 

[278] Nourse, Benjamin, Labourer. 

Nichols, Richard, Mariner. 

Peele, Robert, Cooper. 

Peele, William, Mariner. 

Philips, Elizabeth, Widow. 

Porter, Abigail, Widow. 

Parsons, Thomas, C, Mariner. 

Phippen, Nathaniel, C, Mariner. 

Phippen, Ebenezer, Carpenter, Surveyor. 

Phippen, Joshua, Cooper, Culler. 

Patterson, William, C, Mariner. 

Prince, Henry, Mariner. 

Palfrey, William, Eisherman. 

Presson, Andrew, C, Mariner, in the Customs. 

Richardson, Nathaniel, Tanner, Merchant, Selectman. 

Richardson, Robert, Fisherman. 

Rowell, Thomas, Boat builder. 

Rogers, Nathaniel, Schoolmaster. 

Ropes, Samuel, Cooper, Culler, Weigher, & Gauger. 

♦Incorrect, should be Richard. 



1792] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 337 

Rue, Thomas, Labourer. 
Eavell,* John, C, Mariner. 
Rantolph,f Mary, Widow. 
Ropes, George, G., Mariner. 
Ropes, William, C, Mariner. 
[279] Symonds, John, Tanner. 

Sloacum, Ebenezer, Mariner. 

Smith, Rebecca, Widow, Shopkeeper. 

Smith, Robert, Farmer. 

Silver, Sarah, Widow. 

Smith, George, C., Mariner. 

Sleuman, Andrew, C, Mariner. 

Strout, Joseph, C, Mariner. 

Stevens, Mary, Widow. 

Seward, Susannah, Widow. 

Stone, Robert, Distiller, Merchant. 

Swasey, Samuel, C., Mariner, coaster. 

Sage, William, Carpenter. 

Sage, Daniel, Mariner. 

Silsbee, Samuel, sen r , Carp. & Farmer. 

Silsbee, Samuel jun r , Carpenter. 

Silsbee, Sarah, Widow. 

Stoddard, Ebenezer, Shoemaker. 

Shehane, Daniel, Mariner. 

Townsend, Penn, C, Mariner. 
Townsend, Moses, C, Mariner. 
Tozzer, Abia, Widow. 
Thompson, Anne, Widow. 
Thomas, William, C, Mariner. 
[280] Townsend, Samuel, Mariner. 
Twisse, Jonathan, Farmer. 

Vincent, Joseph, Ropemaker. 
Vincent, Matthew, Ropemaker. 
Very, James, C, Mariner. 
Valprey, Richard sen., Fisherman. 
Valprey, Richard jun r , Mariner. 
Valprey, Mariner. 

Underwood, Sarah, Widow. 
Underwood, John, Mariner. 

Webb, Hannah, Widow, Shopkeeper. 

*Rowell? 
tRantoul. 



338 diary op [1792 

Webb, Hannah, Widow. 

Webb, Benjamin, .tert., C, Mariner. 

Webb, Oliver, C, Mariner. 

Webb, Stephen, At the Fort, in the Customs. 

Webb, John, Shoemaker. 

Wyatt, William, Coaster. 

Ward, Benjamin, jun r , Carpenter, &c. 

Ward, Mary, Widow. 

White, John, C, Mariner. 

White, Joseph, Merchant. 

White, Henry, C, Mariner. 

White, Isaac, Tallow Chandler. 

[281] Waters, Joseph, C, Mariner. 

Waters, Mary, Widow. 

Waters, Samuel, Mariner. 

Webb, William, Mariner. 

Watson, John, Schoolmaster. 

Welman, Mercy, Widow. 

Welman, Timothy, sen., C, Mariner. 

Welman, Timothy, jun r , C, Mariner 

Williams, Thomas, Mariner. 

Woodkind, Samuel, Caulker, &c. 

Whittemore, Retire, C, Mariner. 

Whittemore, James, Ropemaker. 

Welcome, Elizabeth, Widow, Shopkeeper. 

Whitford, Mary, Widow. 

Whittemore, Mary, Widow. 

[Jan.] 8. Sunday. Very cold, especially in the morning. The 
harbour yet free from the ice. The congregation generally out. 
Notified publickly the intention to open a new Singing school on 
Wednesday for young persons from 12 years & upwards. 

9. Went about to induce parents to send their young children 
to the Singing school. There was a plausible reception, which at 
least was flattering. The weather continues cold. Glasses as low 
as 0. Was induced to persevere in the plan proposed. 

10. Heard for the first time a small shock of an earthquake. 
As I never before was ever suspicious that I had heard such a thing, 
the unusual effects in the undulating motions, & distant sound led 
me to the conclusion. I dared however to say nothing on the sub- 
ject till I heard it mentioned abroad, & by the persons lodging in 
the same loft with myself. I persevered, & finished my list, with 
the same apparent success as yesterday. I hope that I shall not be 
disappointed. The Affairs of the Negroes in Hispaniola are less 
threatening, & our accounts from the Indians lead us to fear a sur- 
prise of our Army as well as a defeat. The authority of Names is 
found to be great, as there are great hopes from the Apollo of the 



1792] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 339 

Historical Society, tinder every disappointment. [283] Bills from 
Marblehead Congregational Societies, dead, 131, christened 183 in 
1791. Casualties, deaths by, on land 5, at Sea, 8. Newbury Port, 
1791, died 125, christened 153. Information from Gazette. 

11. The cold continues, & we have a new sight, while we are 
trembling with cold in all its severity, & the harbour is frozen 
throughout, we are almost stifled with the dust in the streets, which 
prevents seeing the length of them at any time. This evening for 
the first time our new Singing School was opened. 40 youths of 
both sexes appeared, & with the addition of some old scattered sing- 
ers a good prospect opens. It has been exceedingly dark, & many 
circumstances very discouraging. Ogden has written an answer to 
the spirited piece of Macclintock, in his usual stile. Much rant, 
bold invective. Calling on the dissenting churches in Portsmouth 
to restore church lands, on D r Stiles, President of Yale College, to 
disavow the partialities of their plan of education, & on Cambridge 
also. Calling on the people to guard their rights from attack & 
their churches from Arianism & censuring Chauncy as the enemy 
of Churches, &c. &c. &c. &c. &c. 

[284] 12. Weather cold in the morning, but thickening & in 
the evening a fine snow falling. We had our singer's meeting at 
Capt Becket's. M r Smith with me from the Dummer Academy, and 
he has great success with his french lads. He preaches in the Acad- 
emy every Sunday to his pupils & has occasional assistance from 
his visiting clerical brethren. 

13. Snow fell last night, & rain in the morning & considerable 
wind. Plentiful rain at midday. Two vessels arrived, from the 
Vineyard last. The wind freshened up, & it began to freeze before 
sundown, the sleet falling. A Singing School again this evening. 
Prospect yet good, tho' the weather very unfavorable to the meeting 
of young people. 

14. The weather clear & moderate. The harbour free from ice. 
The traveling rough. A vessel chartered by M r W. Gray, com- 
manded by Capt Shillaber, ashore upon Plum Island. She is from 
Ireland, by the way of Eustatia. Has on board Irish Linens. The 
first day on which sleds or slays have passed freely in the streets 
of the Town. A Sloop carried ashore at the Fort in the storm, but 
without damage. Snow crusted about 3 inches deep, ground not 
completely covered. By the Apollo we learn that the Pope has dis- 
credited the Freemasons in his dominions. 

[285] [Jan.] 15. Sunday. A most delightful & pleasant day. 
The Sun clear, houses full, singing good. No notes. 

16. Very fine weather. Slaying good. Market full. Harbour 
free. Thomas the Printer, has proposals for printing Bacon's Law 
Abridgement in 5 folio Volumes. 

17. Very pleasant weather. Accepi hodie ab fsemina, mater 
familias, objurgationes acerbissimas proper neglectum sibi oblatum, 



340 DIARY OF [1792 

quia ad scholam symphoniae pueri sui non sunt invitati. Cum ces- 
sarem esse precepter, hoec mala fugire sperabam. Maritus ad est, 
silet, lacrimse fluunt. Dicit ad aures meas. Uxor mea aegrotat, 
plurima oriuntur ex animo suo, et infirmitati presenti sunt attribu- 
enda, &c. Ex tantis, et tammaquis vixis, Domine Deus, melibera. 

18. Weather preparing for a Storm. After dinner I went in a 
slay with M r B-hust to Danvers, & it began to snow. The Questions 
of a Theatre, & the Incorporation of the Town as well as a New 
Bridge from the Cambridge Farms agitate the Town of Boston. 
Some points will be carried in the confusion. It is said the Clergy 
have agreed to give their influence against a Theatre. 

[286] 19. Last evening it began to snow, & in the night a very 
violent Storm arose, which continued with unabating fury througn 
the night, & was stifling in the morning. We have alarming appre- 
hensions for our marine friends. The Storm had not sensibly 
abated at noon. The Snow has fallen in great drifts, is very fine, 
& descends fast, as well as with violence. I ventured round the 
Society at noon, but found few disposed to venture abroad, fences & 
gates covered. The passing more tolerable from the drifts which 
left spaces on the side of the street. After three the snow began 
to cease from falling, but the wind continued high & shifting. The 
night was cold. In the afternoon after the glin appeared, a man, 
named Gunnison, with two boys, apprentices, went off to a fishing 
jigger in the ice with an anchor. They were soon surrounded by the 
ice, & the weather storming they were out of sight. A Sloop was 
sent after them, reached the Jigger, but found not the small boat, 
& men. We were much alarmed, & dispaired of finding them. 

20. Pleasant morning. Our friends away in the boat yesterday, 
returned from Marblehead. They drove beyond Nogg's head, & 
were hear[d] by the families at the ferry, & relieved by forming a 
bridge on the slosh, & were kindly entertained at Marblehead by 
M r Haskell. Very pleasant day. No bad news yet from the effects 
of the storm in our neighbourhood. No damage in the harbour. 
The Snow lays in vast drifts of eight to ten feet, against houses, 
fences, &c. Market well supplied. 

[287] A List of the Young Masters & Misses at the Singing 
School this evening. 

Masters. Misses. 

Joseph Collins Abigail Browne 

Edw. Allen Catharine Cooke 

John Allen Hannah Carrol 

Alexander Allen Sarah Chever 

Benj a Browne Elizabeth Dean 

W m Becket Margaret Ellison 

John Becket Sarah Hitchins 

W m Bickford Mary Hunt 



1792] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 341 

Masters. Misses 

M r Luke Brooks Mary Lane 

W m Cooke Sarah Lane 

John Fiske Mary Manning 

M r W m Hutchinson Elizabeth Manning 

Joseph Presson Mary Peale 

Benj a Patterson Elizabeth Peele 

Eliphalet Smith Patterson Sarah Rue 

Rob 1 Pease Susannah Smith 

Thomas Powell Margaret Swasey 

W m Powell Sarah Whittemore 

John Powell 
Thomas Nourse 
Benj a Nourse 
Pobeit Rantolph 
M r Seth Ring 
John Swasey 
Philip Rue 
Tim. Welman 
Joseph White 

[288] 21. On the 9 th instant died that very venerable Minister, 
W. Balch of Bradford, aet. 87. He was the most candid man of 
his age, & the most enlightened. He has been long unfit for public 
service, but to the last has preserved an unspotted reputation. 
Attended the funeral of a child of one Bishop, M r Bernard being 
absent. Died M r — Ropes,* a very aged man, set. 98. He was 
very troublesome in his old age & died unregretted. He was a use- 
ful man in active life. One of the new lights has endeavoured to 
stir up the controversies respecting Theatres & assemblies by most 
severe invectives last Sunday on the subject of the Assemblies in 
this Town. He has but one family in his society which resists 
them, & that is sadly offended. 

[Jan.] 22. Sunday. The List of Baptisms returned from the 
societies in Salem in the last Gazette, were, Bentley, 57 ; should be 
55 : Bernard's, 35 ; Fisher's, 25 ; Spaulding's, 16 ; Prince's, 11 ; Hop- 
kin's, 6 ; 148. The disproportion between their number & our 
own arises from the difference of religious rules in the institution. 
[289] Notes. Lydia Hodges, her delivery, Husband & Brethren 
at Sea. The weather as cold as I ever felt it on Sunday, & the 
services in consequence very short. It was also very slippery. 
News that Captain Russell in his Coasting Sloop was on shore 
within Winthrop's Bar, upon Chelsea Neck. Capts. Collins, 
Crowninshield, Ingersoll, went this day to see his situation, as they 
had property on board. Vessel & cargo safe, excepting only the 
deck load. 

*John Ropes, son of William and Sarah. 



342 diary op [1792 

Keport of the Bill of Mortality for the Town of Salem in the 
Gazette was, 



Under two years, 


40. 


In January, 


9. 


between 2 & 5, 


22. 


February, 


5. 


5&10, 


6. 


March, 


19. 


10 & 20, 


5. 


April, 


10. 


20 & 30, 


20. 


May, 


14. 


30 & 40, 


13. 


June, 


11. 


40 & 50, 


14. 


July, 


8. 


50 & 60, 


2. 


August, 


13. 


60 & 70, 


5. 


September, 


23. 


70 & 80, 


4. 


October, 


11. 


80 & 90, 


5. 


November, 


10. 


99 years & 5 months, 


1. 


December, 


15. 


still born, 


12. 













148 




148 


14 Negroes & Indians included. 


males 68, 








Females 80, 









[290] 23. Extreme cold weather a most affecting contrast to the 
weather of December, glass this morning 10 minus, within a degree 
of our severest cold, as reported by D r Holyoke. At noon I was 
compelled to return home without prosecuting my walk. It is re- 
ported that the glass was seen in the morning at 12 minus. Not 
more than 2-j- all day. At Portland there has been a case of the 
Slave Trade, & it is referred to the Federal Court, because the 
the Party was an alien. A M rB Gannett applied to the General Court 
having proved that she served 3 years in the army as a soldier 
without discovery. 

24. Upon M r Kopes death it is observed in the Gazette, — A 
person in this town had the curiosity on the 14 th day of August, 
1765, to take an account of all the men in Salem, more than 70 
years of age ; the whole number was 34 ; M r Ropes was the last of 
those aged men ; the Town at that time contained 6,000 inhabitants. 
From this fact, being in company with Benj* Ward senior, nearly 
70, & well acquainted with the Town, & the precise ages of persons 
in it, he readily recollected with little assistance the following per- 
sons known [291] to be above 70 years of age, besides very many 
nearly upon that number of years. Males only. 



J. Barrott 


81 


T. Kimball 


76 


J. Barr 


71 


J. Masury 


76 


J. Buffum 


70 


D. Mackay 


71 


J. Browne 


77 


B. Nourse 




D. Calumb 




B. Osgood 


74 


J. Chapman 


81 


N. Osgood 





1792] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 343 



J. Cloutman 


79 


W. L. Palfrey 


74 


J. Cutler 


76 


W. R. Palfrey 


73 


J. Cooke 


70 


R. Palmer 


78 


T. Diman 


72 


J. Pitman 


77 


S. Daniels 


74 


J. Phelps 


84 


R. Downing 


74 


J. Ropes 


73 


N. Foster 


73 


W. Reeves 


80 


C. Foster 


75 


S. Simonds 


79 


J. Gaines 


71 


J. Simonds 


77 


B. Gardiner 


71 


J. Webb 


77 


J. Goodale 


83 


M. Ward 


78 


D. Hilliard 


76 


D. Jacobs 


73 


W. Hathorne 


76 


see page 323 





The same M r B. Ward assured me that from his personal knowl- 
edge, there were utterly lost from 1746 to 1766 in the space of 
twenty years, 57 sail of Fishermen. The whole number averaging 
each year 50, & from 50 to 60 Tons burden, eight men each. M r 
Prince assured me that his glass on Monday morning was 11J 
minus, and once nearly 12 minus, but that D r Holyoke's was de- 
cisively 12 minus. The weather continues cold, however much 
more moderate than on Monday. M r Ropes buried this day. 
Amidst the distractions of party it was difficult [to] avoid offence. 
In the Gazette the lock [?] of the Lord has appeared, it is said, to 
write against me, but as the whole paper is not published it is im- 
possible as yet to conclude. It is upon the ceremonies of Christ- 
mas. 

[292] 25. News of five vessels ashore on Cape Cod, & the South 
Shore, two belonging to M r W. Gray & Co. No particulars but 
from Capt. E. B. Ward, who has arrived in Town. After being 
shut up in the storm, various flying reports are spread, of the 
further success of the Indians, of the distruction of Cape Francois, 
of the flight of the King of France into Prussia, &c. 

26. The whole harbour is enclosed with ice of a foot thickness 
down to the aquae vitse rocks & the Haste. After dinner with my 
two frenchmen I took a walk from Derby's wharf to the great Ship, 
the Grand Turk, just within the Nogg* head, & from thence onto 
the Marblehead shore, to an eminence from which we could view 
the top of the Houses in the Town of Marblehead. We found many 
persons on the ice, & on board the ship, & met M r E. H. Derby 
with his two daughters riding in a slay upon the ice to the Ship & 
they were saluted upon their arrival by the hoisting of the flag. 
The eel catchers & Skaiters were upon the harbour, & many travel- 
ing from Marblehead. The weather is yet at 13 plus, no melting, 
tho' clear sunshine, & our houses very cold. We are amply paid 
for our most delightful December. 

[293] 27. D r Holyoke in person assured me that on the las 



344 DIARY OF [1792 

cold Monday the thermometer was 12 ■£ minus in the morning, & 
only 1 plus at the hottest time of day which was at 3 o'clock P. M. 
That he supposes however, tho' he did not make observations at 
the time, that the cold Sunday in 1772 was severer, & it might be 
owing to the state of the air. Last Monday was a clear north- 
wester, but the Sunday in 1772 was without clouds but the air filled 
with a thick mist which froze almost instantly the extremities of 
the body. There were no examples of freezing on last Monday, tho' 
three persons were exposed in an open boat. 

28. Walked down to the fort, & saw all closed with ice below 
the Haste, & people passing in every direction. 

[294] [Jan.] 29. Sunday. A very pleasant day. Sun clear. 
A little Snow fell in the night which is a little inconvenience. 
Notes. John Fairfield, Wife & Children, death of her Mother & 
Son at Sea. Richard Nichols & Wife, death of her Mother Collins. 
Henry Prince & Wife, delivery, Brethren at Sea. 

30. The Tontine is again committed for amendments. Argu- 
ments used against the Tontine are, that the Speculators are not 
generally of this State. That the wealth is nominal only. That 
it will not encourage industry. That men will be more deeply in- 
terested in each other's misfortunes, as we see in heirships, &c. 
The principal argument in favour is that it is a fund of insurance, 
& that the government cannot benefit by refusing, what others will 
cheerfully accept. On these various subjects parties run very high 
[295] Capt. Kimball our neighbour died this day, past 70 years- 
An honest inoffensive man. 

31. Rain this morning, which stands in great quantity in the 
Streets. The last piece of the Episcopalian appeared this day in 
the Gazette for which I have provided a merry answer. How it 
will take with the public, I cannot say, & whether it may not be an 
occasion for a very serious controversy. That church is stirring in 
every direction, & most severe in its censures. 

February 1. Wednesday. This day was buried a woman, set. 
72, named Lydia Foster. She died on the same day and in the 
same house with Capt. Kimball, & was buried from Master Watson's 
house, as she had at several times been his Tenant above 20 years. 
She was a Mayfield & both her parents were remarkably corpulent.* 
She was a woman of singular appearance, very short, thick & clum- 
sy, her head was sunk between her shoulders. She hired a room 
in the back part of the house, & since she has been past labour, such 
as living in a family for her board, she has gulled three neighbour- 
ing families of her food, in hopes of dividing her property, & she 
has now died intestate. She went to bed at the [296] sun's setting 
to save wood. She was so intolerably lazy that she never swept 
her house, so nasty as to have every thing filthy about her, & so 
little feeling as to eat often at the table of a very poor family, 

*S3e Essex Institute Hist. Colls. Vol. VI., p. 100. 



1792] 11EV. WILLIAM BEJSTLEY 345 

whom she fed with hopes. At her death, besides her rummage, & 
cloaths, she left notes whose principal amounts to 115 £ lawful 
money, & fifty-three dollars in cash. She belonged to the Taber- 
nacle, & was buried after prayers by M r Spalding. 

2. The weather become good. Major Hiller spent the evening with 
me very agreably on my part. The state of our western territories, 
the west india island, & France the subjects of our conversation, & 
of public attention. The friends to a change in the police of Bos- 
ton make great threats of renewing their exertions, & have adver- 
tised the form of an intended protest to be signed against the Town 
proceedings. Tontine is almost in dispair. Long Letters telling 
what hopes they have in other states appear. Sachem Gardner is 
called upon to publish his history of the Theatre, as he delivered it 
in the General Assembly. Extravagant compliments to party 
speeches, while Austin supports the popular side, & his speech not 
inferior to the others so much commended, occupies a humble 
place in Edes' wretched Monday Gazette. In the Chronicle the 
threats are noticed, & the alarming consequences intimated. 

[297] 3. Very fine weather. Capt. Benjamin Hodges agreed 
yesterday to take the Command of the Grand Ship, the Grand Turk, 
now lying in the Harbour, belonging to Elias Haskett Derby. 

How much depends on the animal economy? Who is not 
tempted sometimes to confess himself a materialist, when he finds 
the just state of his virtue. D r Beattie's opinion that the Theatre 
is not the School of Divines is produced with much severity upon 
Gardiner, who wishes to correct the dullness of the pulpit by the 
lessons of the stage, & perhaps enliven it by the applause of the 
Pit. 

[298] 4. The ice gone from the Harbour up to the wharves. 
Many men have been employed in breaking it. A Salem Bank is 
projected for 15,000£, and 125 Shares. It is said the subscription 
was filled up immediately, & that the pstition for incorporation is 
ready to be sent on. 

[Feb.] 5. Sunday. Notes. Jonathan Archer jun r , death of his 
Father-in-Law. A very pleasant day, but slippery on the sides of 
the street, & the middle full of water. 16 Vessels arrived at Bos- 
ton this day. Ward's Vessel on Cape Cod is lost. 

6. S l Marie mentioned to me his purpose to return to Martinico 
with Captain Ward. Capt Pratt ready to depart on the morrow for 
Orford. Several of the inhabitants of the place I saw at his house. 
Capt. W. Orne of this Town broke his leg by a fall from his horse. 
He has suffered already from a similar accident. 

[299] 7. On this day appeared my hasty answer to the Cock, 
who displayed the poverty of his eloquence upon the Festivals of 
the Church. So far as the address to the writer, I like my paper 
well enough. A part of it was misunderstood by the printer, & 
published in his own sense of it with great black spaces, which 



346 diaby of [1792 

shew a" vacuity somewhere. I have not heaid a single opinion. 
Travelling very bad, between here and Boston, much bare ground, 
hills of snow, &c. 

8. This day for the first time the CHURCH BOOK of the East 
Parish in Salem was put into my hand via Capt. B. Hodges with 
the following loose papers which might serve as examples for the 
good old Pastor & are here enumerated that they might be known 
if scattered or lost. 

Invitation from the Church at Ord : of M r Bradstreet, Marble- 
head, & Old Parish, Salem. 
A Certificate of Beverly. 

Confessions of Thomas Laskin, Margaret Tapley, J. & M. Wyatt, 
First Church Covenant in the East Parish. 
Dismission of the First Members from the old Church. 
List of the First Founders. 

M r Diman's Dismission from the first Church in Cambridge. 
Proceedings at the choice of a Deacon. 

A minute of a Church debt without date, & papers from Proprie- 
tors respecting my Settlement. 

[300] Copy of a mem. said to be a List of the " first founders of 
the Church" called the East Church in Salem, 1718. Deacon Simon 
Willard, Josiah Willard, Joseph Andrew, Richard Prince, Malachi 
Foot, Benjamin Ives, Daniel Rogers, Jonathan Webb, Christopher 
Babbidge, Joseph Hardy, John Browne. 

Copy of the list of Church members voting for the Settlement of 
the Rev d James Diman, 1736. 

John Browne, x Samuel Foot, xx 

Samuel Carleton. Nathaniel Silsbee. 

Warwick Palfrey, xx Robert Stone. 

Benjamin Gray. Richard Elvins. xx 

John Becket. xx [301] Jonathan Webb, x 

John Gerrish. Richard Prince, x 

Paul Kimball, xx Samuel Manning. 

Miles Ward. Jonathan Very. 

Benja. Ives, x William Curtis. 

Members who voted in 1783 at my ordination. 
John White. John Watson. 

Benjamin Ward. Thomas Diman. 

William Browne. Edmond Whittemore. 

Abraham Watson. Ebenezer Phippen. 

Such as are marked at the beginning x, as voting for M r Diman, 
were original members. Such xx, are not found on the church 
records. 

[302] 9. After threatening weather, this morning it began to 
snow. From the Church Records I took the following List of the 
Male members & the year of their admission. Under Jennison the 
records were kept very negligently for there are five active members 



1791] 



REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 



347 



at M r Diman's Settlement not to be found in his List who probably 
lived in this end of the Town, as old family names, & were admitted 
here, as we judge on that account, & their voting as members at the 
Settlement. 



Under Stanton. 






1723 


Jonathan Very, x 
Benjamin Gray, x 


1724 


David Best. 


Under Jennison. 






1728 


William Curtis, x [303] 


1732 


Samuel Carleton. 




Samuel Manning, x 


1733 


Miles Ward. 


1729 


Thomas Masury. 


1734 


John Gerrish. 




Thomas Tufton. 




Nathaniel Silsbee. 




John Leich. 






Under Diman. 






1737 


Abraham Watson. [304] 


1758 


John White. 


1738 


John Knap. 


1769 


James Diman. 




Joseph Mascoll. 


1770 


William Browne. 




Paul Mansfield. 




Thomas Safford. 


1739 


Gamaliel Hodges. 


1771 


John Watson. 




Richard Prince, junr. 


1772 


Benjamin Ward. 




Adoniram Collins. 


1774 


John Becket. 


1740 


Nathaniel Andrew. 




Nathaniel Knight. 


1742 


Benjamin Masury. 


1775 


Joseph Smith. 




John Wyatt. 




Richard Derby, jun r 


1752 


David Phippen. 




Hon: 


1754 


James Chever. 


1777 


Ebenezer Phippen. 




John Mascoll. 




Peter Chever. 


1756 


Edmond Henfield. 


1779 


Thomas Diman. 




Edmond Whittemore. 


1784 


John Emerton. 



According to the Foregoing accounts, the Church in forming con- 
sisted of eleven members. In M r Stanton's nine years, three were 
added. In M r Jennison's seven years, nine were added. In M r Di- 
man's fifty years, twenty-eight were added. The whole fifty-one 
members. In voting for M r Diman's Settlement, there were eight- 
een members, five of which are not entered, & four of the original 
members. [305] There are great vacancies between the times of 
admitting male members, 10 years from 1742 to 1752 & 11 years 
from 1758 to 1769, and only six between the two spaces. In a 
distinct list of the church it appears that Warwick Palfrey, & John 
Becket, & Robert Stone & Richard Elvins were received from the 
first church, Paul Kimball admitted in 1728, & Samuel Foot unac- 
counted for, John Carnes an Irishman from a Church in Ireland, 
Titus a Servant of Col. Turner, Thomas Barker from a Church in 
Hingham, Hon. Richard Derby Esq r inserted in the list but not 
reckoned. 

[306] 10. News that the Hull of a Vessel, owned at Saco, but 



348 DIARY OF [1792 

commanded by C. Edw. Smith of this Town, was found in the ice 

south of Cape Cod. The Crew, it is supposed, took to their boats 
& have not yet been heard of. 

The number of Baptisms in the East Society from the Records, 
according to the years. 

1719 baptised 22 56 27 

1720 Stanton 17 57 30 

21 28 58 17 

22 23 59 38 

23 51 60 26 

24 21 61 24 

25 21 62 28 

26 25 1763 baptised 26 

27 6+ 64 18 

28 Jennison 36 65 37 

29 21 66 35 

30 29 67 16 

31 30 68 35 

32 28 69 25 

33 39 70 47 

34 41 71 41 

1735 33 72 43 

36 8+ 73 35 

37 Diman 18 74 34 

38 41 75 34 

39 24 76 24 

40 22 77 39 

1741 baptised 24 1778 baptised 33 

42 20 79 34 

43 32 80 45 

44 35 81 40 

45 30 82 41 

46 27 83 44 

47 24 Diman & Bentley 

48 24 84 38+1 

49 14 85 17 + 24 

50 23 86 Bentley 41 

51 14 87 60 

[307] 52 22 88 25 

53 13 89 49 

54 20 90 36 

55 26 91 55 

Above 30 Christened one year with another. 



1792] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 349 

[308] Marriages in the Book begin with M r Diman. 
1737 3 

38 4 

39 3 

40 4 

41 2 

42 4 

43 10 

44 14 

45 12 

1746 6 

47 6 

48 10 

49 4 

50 13 

51 11 

52 9 

53 13 [309] 

54 14 

1755 17 

56 15 

57 14 

58 14 

59 3 

60 9 

61 13 

62 18 

63 13 

64 11 

Marriages in the above term above 12 annually. 

[310] 11. A Libel sometime since was affixed to the Store door 
of C. J. Mason, reproaching Merchant Williams with undue advan- 
tages of his infirmities. Instead of the effect the old Gentleman 
views it a[s] an intent to break up a friendship, in some of his ex- 
pecting heirs, as he has no children, & he has discovered no small 
resentment on the occasion. The suspected will probably suffer. 
A very cold morning, but we were relieved in the middle of the day. 

Feb. 12. Sunday. M r Prince shut up, by his fall. Notes. 
Gamaliel Hodges' wife's delivery, Husband & Brethren at Sea. 
The Sermon preached to my people was from a moment's recollec- 
tion, because some of the hearers heard my sermon at M r Prince's. 
In connection with subject of analogy of Jewish ceremonies; the 
language of a Gazette writer, leads to think of the filioque contro- 
versy. The Candlemass, connected with the subject. The author- 
ity of rites & ceremonies in the english articles. The masks before 
Christmass to what allusion. Easter, the feast from which to reck- 
on. White Sunday comes then not on the Jewish Pentecost. 




350 diary op [1792 

[311] Whether feast of Tabernacles refer to condition in Egypt 
or in the wilderness, or both, & how celebrated by the Jews. Bas- 
nage, p. 451, says in remembrance of their travel in the desert. 
Whether the offerings of first fruits was not at the real harvest & 
the day convocation independant of the precise act or offering. 

13. Weather cold, & the ice formed over the harbour. A vindi- 
cation of the Indian war has appeared from the war department, 
from which it appears, that whatever other causes have operated, 
treaties have been formed in vain to guarantee the rights of the 
frontier settlers. Letters from the West Indies give us no reason 
to suppose the ferment over, & we are afraid least we shall hear of 
seizures of some American Vessels for breaches of the act of trade. 
Such is the state of roads from the drifts, & position of the Snow 
that almost every day gives an account of some Slay which is turned 
over. Several such accidents have happened, & M r Prince is con- 
fined by a hurt received in being thrown out of a Slay. Several 
slays during the thaw, were upset into deep gullies filled with water. 
M" Fiske tells me of a compleat cold bath she had upon her return 
from Boston. Some hint in italics that the character of the reverend 
W. Balch was not relished by some Gazette readers. 

[312] 14. A hint that poor Joseph must look out for a trim- 
ming, it is reported, from a broken winged clergyman in the Town 
who is infamous for his meaness & avarice. It is a question wheth- 
er it be a Clergyman, or a drunken Lawyer, who is to answer Joseph. 

15. No reports. Proposals for workmen to erect the Bridge over 
the Merrimack, are made in the Gazette. The factory for Duck, 
&c. stands still in want of Flax for the spinners. The Owners are 
selling out their shares. A great body of snow upon the earth & ice 
in the harbour. 

16. Received of Capt Joshua Ward by Capt B. Hodges, the first 
Volume of Gibbon's Roman History in the 4to edition, and as I de- 
clined to accept it as a gift, he delivered it to me to be kept till he 
called for it. Saw carried into the Burying Yard as a monumental 
Stone to support the monument upon the Tomb belonging to the 
Gray family, a Stone measuring, 5 feet long, 3 high & 1 broad. It 
is to be placed upon the arch, & a marble to be placed upon it. 

17. The Air cloudy for several days. Travelling bad. The suc- 
cess of the Bank common topic of conversation. In the evening 
with G. Fiske, Col. Pickman, Esq r Tread well, Major Hiller, Esq 1 
Pulling, Cap 1 W. Pickman, Messieurs Appleton, Waldo, Jeffries, 
Stearns [and] I supped on Venison at Major Sprague's. The circle 
was chearful, the entertainment very elegant, & we retired about 
eleven well pleased with the scene. 

18. This morning M r S* Marie Sougue took leave of me. We 
accompanied him to the boat, & with a fine wind, left him to the 
conduct of providence, wishing him a safe arrival at Martinico. He 
has behaved very discreetly, & made a pretty progress. The turn 



1792] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 361 

for Speculation has been so predominant that Government is deter- 
mined in some measure to suppress it. 

[314] [Feb.] 19. Sunday. No Notes. Clear & moderate 
weather. Prince's House shut. News from E. Smith, whose vessel 
was found, that he was on the Nantucket Island. 

20. An old paper, whether real or not, I cannot say, appeared 
in Boston Monday Gazette, purporting the reasoning of the Town 
70 years ago, against incorporation. In Paris we learn that the 
municipality attended worship in a Protestant House on the 14th 
of October last. 

21. Remarks on Joseph Scesciath with great petulancy but not 
a single argument, or even mention of the subject.* Began this 
day to copy into my new Church Book the Baptisms, &c. from my 
Day Book, the book being provided by the Church. 

22. Went to the Eagle Tavern, Bacon's, to see a Buffalo. It 
was of the female kind, two years old, & larger than an ox. It 
agreed well with the discription of naturalists. M r Bernard called 
& dissuaded me from pursuing the controversy about festivals in 
the Gazette. I had written & entrusted with a friend the following 
queries to be inserted in the Gazette. 

Quere, whether preaching a sermon & then delivering [315] it to 
be read as pointed against a man, & afterwards suffering an extract 
to be printed with a reflection at the close of it, be not a challenge. 

Whether shewing a member of any communion does not under- 
stand the sense of his communion, be a just affront to that Com- 
munion. 

Whether " Joseph " has omitted to state any part of the evidence 
to be obtained on the point debated. A fourth Person. 

On this subject the following among other memoranda. 

Whether the Courses of the Jewish Priests, being settled by their 
calender, did not shift with their intercalary month. 

Whether their measure of time in the Augustian age cannot be 
ascertained from Philo, & Josephus. 

Whether by the course of Abias will bring Christmass in Septem- 
ber. 

Whether Augustus, knowing the discontents of the Jews, was no 
more a Politician than to make a census in the several towns ac- 
cording to the history, on the feast of Tabernacles , when the people 
were ordered up to Jerusalem. 

After Joseph had appealed to the Apostolic, & Laodicean Canons, 
to Gregory's Testimony, to the assertion of Hooker, & to the Lan- 
guage of the Homily, & Liturgy, might he not have appealed to the 
20 th Article of the English [316] Church which declares there is 
authority in that church to decree rites & ceremonies. 

Quere, whether this be not the sense of every established church? 

The filioq : controversy is fit to be enquired into in regard to 

•See Salem Gazette, Feb. 21, 1792. 



352 DIAKY OF [1792 

White Sunday as the Liturgy of the english Church does not interfere 
with it in the sense of the creed in the Collect for Whitesunday. 

Whether the feast of Tabernacles refer to state in Egypt, &c. or 
in the Wilderness or both, & how celebrated at different periods. 

Whether Basnage speaks inaccurately when he refers it to a re- 
membrance of their travels in the wilderness only. p. 451. fol. 

Whether Paul had not entered into the controversy as it now 
stands when he opposed Jewish innovations, by calling them weak 
& beggarly elements. And whether the force of Jewish prejudices 
had not been lost after Constantine's time, & then whether any 
Jewish ceremonies could remain. 

The Law in the Theodosian code forbidding the pagans the use 
of greens, &c, how far it gave place to Christian customs & ceremon- 
ies. For this purpose enquiry into the Character of Theodosius, 
the end of the law & Christian precepts. For the law see Jortin, 
3 Vol., p. 133. [317] nullus accendat lumina, impenat thura Sorta 
suspendat. Anno. 392. 

Whether S* Chrysostom's Testimony produced by Jortin, Vol. 
Ill, p. 192, respecting the usages of Antioch, where on the first day 
of January they adorned the market or public place with garlands, 
& the performance of the same rite when Theodosius forgave an in- 
sult his statue received, a time at which they made great rejoicing, 
may tend to throw any light upon the introduction of the rite into 
the christian church & the origin of the Theodosian Law. 

Remarks on a third person. To be free from a Commentary, he 
has forgotten the Text. From the metaphore of a dancer he leaps 
into the allegory of a negro posture master on commencement day. 
He repeats uncharitableness, only because he felt it, as the writer 
has guarded against it. And to throw Canon's councils, fathers, 
homilies, & Liturgy aside the best, or ought to be, defenders of his 
Church, to say there is no argument, & to save the trouble of think- 
ing, he mixes them delightfully with capuchin relicts, which per- 
haps no where exist. He is ashamed to say plumply there is no ar- 
gument but some is no argument. This may serve as the foundation 
of some future remarks, should there be just occasion for them. 

[318] 23. To ascertain historically the question of the Pope's 
power, &c, would it not be the best way to give in two classes the 
Ecclesiastical declarations, & the civil, & we might then see what 
the popes thought in one view, what the clergy thought, & what the 
civil authority thought, & also what private men thought upon this 
subject. We might also admit these four divisions in chronological 
order of the facts. Has it been done ? Saint Gregory is Pope 
Gregory the Great. Jortin, 3 V. p. 403. 

24. I felt a strong propensity, upon the advise of several gentle- 
men, to explore the history of New England, & enquire into the 
Witchcraft, its causes, &c. I intend to take the subject under seri- 
ous consideration, & if I find any materials not yet offered to the 



1792 J REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 353 

SSf" ThVIv^f e r bJeCt n0t tieated J ha ™ ■ «*h *o nn- 
Gen FisS fe? dlaed , m C0 'W with several Gentlemen at 
negro freedman He »L n'l ?T the All »s-house, Miehael a 

Mar^oTho^ifJrie^™^ £ f ^ ^ „~ ^ 
perhaps was not above 55 years " aPPeared ™' y old > bat 

wJ-wi e" u bunda y- Notes - Samuel Archer & Wife death of 
his brother & brother at Sea. For the first tW T Zll\ d , ea ; ll . of 
upon the same text without knowing if tWf J Poached twice 
lift. Several arrivals this day g ' *" &St WaS a real 

27. Reports of success against the Indians Thp rc,.^ 
-ay h/tZttT t0 BCTerly Brfd « e at ^"Is^as oarrS 

28. A Fourth person appeared, unknown to me in the G^H. 

29. 1 esterday I attended the funeral of Capt John Lovett V »* 

^ij^^r" of people - ™ s ^ <^rris 

MaSverffin] V*^' / The w ^her since the entrance of 
maicn very hue The Spring at once seems opened upon us This 
day was buried Capt Jonathan Webb a* 77 ZT « i ! ' S 
innholder in the Town a™ the flSm , of H.I qv g ? me an 

Court House. He had thf esteem^ t°he Tow'n ^ Ci2^ 
was very large considering that the walking w^as very ba^ t ^ 
[Mar.] 4. Sunday. John Webb & Wife, d. of his Brother * 

, 5 ' The Universalists afforded a company amusement for otip 
hour by a four upper Catechism they have > published S ?J»m? T 
ing, in prose & poetry, & religion aUhe same me TH^T*' 
Boston, publish the time of their Lectures in S'rS !? ? 
people in the same form for attentoSjT^ 

tB!f b „ U r« t th nd 'r n many yearS kD0Wn a8 th6 " S P ite Br Wge.- 



354 DIART OF [1792 

arts of popularity. While the populace display sometimes their ill 
humour in breaking doors & windows. 

[322] 6. In the Gazette is a communication by M r Freneau in 
the national Gazette from a manuscript respecting Nantucket 
Shoals. M r Dourville, a French Officer made a discovery in 1787. 
to the following purpose, 1. " The Shoals are of a conical form, & 
where they are really dangerous, not more in extent than twenty 
fathoms, so that there is little more danger of a vessel running ac- 
cidently upon them than there is of her running foul of another 
vessel in the common route between France & America. 2. With 
regard to the souudings, M r D. found four fathoms a league distant 
from the point of breakers : at the distance of two Ships lengths 
from the same breakers there were two & an half fathoms. 3. By 
several observations of the latitude of this shoal, taken with the 
most scrupulous exactness, at different times, it was found that the 
breakers lie in the Latitude 40° 35 ' N. & bearing about south East 
of Nantucket Island. Signed De la Motte, Consul for U. S. at 
Havre de Grace. 

7. Speculation yet alive in Boston while in the Town of Salem, 
I have not heard of a single advantage derived to any man, except 
from Notes accidentally in his hands. While others gain 1000 s. 
by the hour, we are plying the oars of industry & gaining by the 
penny & the pound. Foreign & domestic News are not to be had. 
The Enquiry is, Does nobody know the News ? 

[323] 8. After the List of persons by M r Ward's memory of 
Male persons in the Town above 70 years was given me, I delivered 
it to Col Pickman, who corrected it & added the names & ages, as 
at p. 291, striking out some as not reaching 70, & since dead, & 
adding others. His alterations are N. Osgood, & D. Jacobs, now 
living in Danvers. D. Calumb & B. Nourse, not arrived at 70. 
Kimball, just dead. He adds Csesar Orne Diman, 79, & Conneti- 
cut Gov. in the Alms house, 80. Besides, Brown, in South Fields, 
74. John Clarke, 72. W m Goodhue, 75. Tho Vining, 75. Mas- 
coll Williams, 73. Preparation made for the Sailing of the G. 
Turk, 550 Tons, by general invitation, but the weather was squally 
& it was impracticable to get to Sea. The Parish matter is so far 
adjusted I am told that certain Subscribers did this day pay to 
James Diman, the balance due, which is to be raised on the Parish. 
The Debt is now among ourselves. This has been a work of strange 
management, the assessment is yet a difficult part remaining. 

[325] 10. Wednesday last began a spell of rainy, squally 
weather which has not yet cleared off. During the whole evening 
we had Thunder, & sharp flashes of Lightening. 

[Mar.] 11. Sunday. The Ship, Grand Turk, burdened 550 
Tons sailed this day for India, Capt B. Hodges. The previous in- 
vitations given to the principal Gentlemen of the Town, & the 
fame of a Ship built in the Town, & furnished with Sails from our 



1792] BEY. WILLIAM BENTLEY 855 

own Manufactories urged a curiosity so strong that few people were 
left in our houses of worship. Notes. John Saunders & Wife, she 
dangerously sick, Brethren at Sea. 

12. Annual Town Meeting. The Town in happy agreement. The 
first choice was of the old Officers. D r Whitaker visited me, being 
in Town upon some business. He gave me an history of his visit 
to England, drank Tea & put off. He has purchased at Booth Bay. 

13. No particular news from any quarter of the Globe. Our 
hopes of a victory over the Natives are lost. 

[326] 14. The Funeral of Madam Sparhawk, set. 72. She was 
the Widow of the Rev d M r Sparhawk of the first church who set- 
tled in 1737, & died in 1755. Her pall was supported by the min- 
isters of the Town. Rev d Hopkins, Fisher, Bernard, Prince, Bent- 
ley, Spaulding. She sustained a fair reputation, & was followed 
by a reputable Train of Mourners. She was not buried with her 
husband at the point but on the hill, the Tomb in which her hus- 
band lays being disposed of to private Gentlemen by Col. Pickman. 
Last Sunday a Ship was found ashore on Duxbury Beech near Pli- 
mouth, bound from Bristol in England, to Portsmouth, N.H., Captain 
Chauncy. The Captain & all on board perished, excepting two of 
the Crew. The man & his family, who has occasioned me so much 
trouble & ill usage, found the way to my house this evening in my 
absence upon a visit to the family with which I board. Having 
said last Sunday to the innholder in our usual good humour, are 
you going to see the Ship, will you take my place, I wish I could 
go with you, he replied what place, I answered, I wonder you ask 
that, at this time. It is since reported by a person who heard, 
that I invited him to preach, & abused by the superstitious. Such 
is the life in which a man is watched by superstition & whose ease 
in his profession depends on what he most hates. 

[327] 15. This evening for the first time after several years I 
was present at the Thursday night's Club at Esq r Pullen's by his 
invitation. Considerable encouragement for a numerous bass to 
assist our musick. They meet this week alternately with the other 
singers. 

16. We had the painful news after much warning of the death 
of Capt Francis Boardman at Port Au Prince. He was a man of 
great ambition, fond of shew, & of great public spirit. He built an 
elegant house, which for situation is the best in Town. Had just 
compleated a good road to it, finished the outbuildings, filled a 
pond before it, when he was snatched out of life, universally 
lamented. With this news comes an account of the death of 
George Dean, the youngest son of Capt Thomas Dean & this is the 
third which has died abroad within these three years, & includes 
all his children male. He was a promising young man. I had the 
painful task of visiting the several families & communicating this 
information. It is very instructive tho very painful. I remember 



356 DIARY OF [1792 

D r Cooper used to observe, that a time of sickness coming soon 
after his entrance into the ministry, was the most happy event for 
him in that character, which could have happened. 

[328] 17. A fine Topographical sketch of the County of Essex 
begun in the last Salem Gazette from Thomas' Magazine. Reports 
of sickness among the Americans at Port au Prince. Sent me 
from my father in the form of an hand bill, an original paper, so 
called, on the Subject of the Incorporation of the Town of Boston. 
It has all the appearance of the age pretended, but the author, who 
is said to have written it 70 years ago, is not mentioned, & so I am 
a stranger to its history. It is very satisfactory to those who are 
opposed to the Incorporation. 

[Mar.] 18. Sunday. Notes. Thomas Dean & Wife & children, 
on the death of his only Son, the third dying within two years 
abroad. Mary Boardman & Children, death of her husband. 
Sarah Dean, the death of her husband. Joshua Phippen & wife & 
children, d. of his Son in Law, Dean. Benj a Hutcheson & wife, her 
delivery, a Brother long absent, & one brother at Sea. I ventured 
to preach a funeral sermon & provide a note, tho' the family was 
not at meeting, or the principal relations. Read the proclamation 
for the Fast on the 29 th instant & cautioned the people ag. the li- 
centiousness of Servants on such days. 

[329] 19. Town meeting adjournment. From the face of 
affairs, great interruption was feared, there was however a decent 
appearance, & great unanimity. Major Harthorne as Selectman 
resigned, & Gen. Fiske as Overseer, & of the School committee. 
The Town has agreed to give a thousand dollars this year in addi- 
tion to such subscription as may be obtained towards the pavement 
from the Corner at the Old Meeting House down to the Corner 
leading on to the Comon, * & as much further as the Money will 
allow eastward. The Vote obtained unanimously, & the stones at 
the back of the Court house are included in the Town's expences. 

20. In the Gazette we have notice that a piece signed, "Cerdo" 
had appeared, but in deference to the public, it might lay by till 
next Christmass. An aged woman, named Andrewsf, set. 91, was 
buried from our neighborhood this evening. A Letter from Brother 
Freeman purported the establishment of a Unitarian Society in the 
Town of Portland, & accompanied with a subscription for the 
same. I gave him some promises on the Subject last year. 

[330] 21. News of the loss of a ship upon Plymouth Gurnet, 
belonging to E. Parsons of Boston. The Crew saved, but Cargo 
lost, consisting of Sugars, Molasses, &c. By a Century Sermon 
printed respecting Newton, formerly Cambridge Village, it appears 
there is now living in that town 59 persons of both sexes above 
seventy. The Census 1360 souls. The average gives a chance of life 

*Essex street from Washington street to Washington square, 
t Abigail, widow of Nathaniel Andrew. 



1792] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 357 

as one in twenty- two. Salem of 8,000 gives not half the chance, & 
has not half the number above seventy of males, I know not females. 

22. Spent the evening with my friend Capt. B. Ward at Col. 
Pickman's. 

23. The weather changeable but not severe. We have had a pleas- 
ant month hitherto. An attempt was made last Monday night to put 
fire to a barn belonging to Capt John White. It was communicated 
to the edge of the plank floor opposite to the entrance and 
covered with hay. But as the plank was wet and the hay not very 
dry, it went out after burning the edge of the plank a few inches. 
The owner has had a quarrel with a negro, lately in his service, & 
has always rented one of his buildings for a dwelling house to the 
negroes. The Barn has been out of use for many months. The . 
Barn was contiguous to a dwelling house in the Lane, & the wind 
westerly. Our School for singing goes on, the bass, & the young 
school alternately. 

[331] 24. In the Centinel at full length appeared D r Walter's 
Address to the Lodge upon the union of the Antient & Modern 
Lodges, which is a happy event in that Institution. 

[Mar.] 25. Sunday. No Notes. Saw a M rs Saunders, d. of 
Capt Jon a Mason, depart from life. The proprietors having ordered 
the pegs on which, hats were hung over the gallery to be shifted 
within the gallery, that the people below might not be incommoded 
by water from the hats, an obstinate man brought a peg & fixed it 
in the place from which the former one had been taken. The boys 
observing it loosened it from its place, which he observed, took his 
hat, & went in a very disorderly manner from the meeting house. 
This day at dinner was not without some prudent cautions, of what 
we call cheapening. A minister who does what is not essential to 
virtue in familiarities, cheapens. Who converses often with men 
without knowledge & yet of great vanity, cheapens. A minister 
who tramples on one religious custom not distinguishing opinion 
from truth, cheapens. Who is intimate with volatile tempers, 
cheapens. Who hearkens to reports, cheapens. Who complains 
often, cheapens. 

[332] 26. Died, a M r King in our neighborhood. Several near 
death, & the day spent principally in visiting them. M r Leslie* has 
appeared, & is prepared to answer Thayer. The most worthy D r 
Tucker of Newbury is dead. A Divine, who has succeeded against 
a host of bitter fanaticks, & has left a most excellent private as well 
as public character. 

27. The Subject of chusing a Senator from this Town engages 
the inhabitants of the Town & County. The obstacle is the dis- 
union in the Town, & the violent prejudices of Parties against the 
gentlemen proposed. The Gazette abounds with invectives against 
Tontine, Lotteries, &c. 

♦Pastor of a church at Washington, N. H. , and previously pastor at Linebrook Parish 
Ipswich. ' 



358 diary op [1792 

28. Struggle for another Bridge over Almsbury Ferry, a mile 
above the other. Such is the spirit of Speculation. A E[s]q r Manning 
of Ipswich has an action against a E[s]q r March of this County for 
defamation, the latter having declared that he took pay at the G. 
Court for more days than he appeared. M r W. Gray & R. Ward 
are proposed as Senators. The first entirely declines, the latter 
perhaps may accept if chosen. Hon. Chief Judge Dana proposed 
with Governour Hancock for the Chair. Merely holding him up to 
view. Good temper, good manners, & good address, with a common 
& equal share of common sense, give the greatest value. 

[333] 29. Fast of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Two 
Funerals from this end of the Town. A Moses Ring, a very intem- 
perate man, & M™ Sanders. Her husband goes to Church, but as 
she was interred at her father's expence the funeral service fell to 
me. The Husband has been a very unworthy man. An uncommonly 
long procession, & very respectable at M rs Sanders' interrment. 
Our young Singers made their first appearance & not an unpromising 
one. Hope, & forget not to Hope ! Capt. Collins went for Nova Scotia. 

30. The Brig belonging to Boston, sunk on the south Shore with 
200 Hogsheads of Molasses, was recovered by screws & vices, & 
every Hogshead saved. 

31. Reports of great failures & serious consequences. One man 
is said to have failed for 4 millions of dollars in speculation. Re- 
ports that the Ship Washington from Providence, owned by Brown, 
has been burnt at Calcutta by the neglect of the Crew, as says com- 
mon report. We have not particulars but the story gains credit as 
to the loss. At the funeral of M r Phippen, some mistakes as to the 
procession, & the General's Lady left out. 

[334] April 1. Sunday. M* Phippen* died after long con- 
finement. Since the war he paid little attention to business, tho a 
Carpenter. He was very much involved in his affairs, & acting for 
the Church there was an entire failure of his property. He has 
since disappeared from public worship, & at length in extreme in- 
digence, depending only on his friends, he had a very hard death. 
He has left a wife, very deaf & seven children, wholly unprovided 
for. Proposal made at the next Communion to contribute for the 
relief of his Family. Notes. Capt. Jon* Mason & Wife, death of 
his eldest daughter & Children abroad. Elizabeth Mason, d. of 
Sister in Law, Husband & friends absent. Lydia Maley, d. of her 
sister Saunders, prayers for a sick child, & friends abroad. Pris- 
cilla Elkins, d. of her Sister Saunders, husband & friends abroad. 
Widow Susannah Babbidge, d. of her G. Daughter, & Sons & G. 
Sons at Sea. Samuel Chever & Wife, d. of her Brother Ring. 
Elizabeth Phippen with her children, d. of her Husband & for 
friends at Sea. Priscilla Gill, death of her Brother Phippen, & 
Brother at Sea. Queer world. One of the persons who put up the 

•Mr. Ebenexer Phippen, aged 42 years. 



1792] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 359 

above note, P. E. & a communicant, went to the other end of the 
Town to meeting in the afternoon to wait upon a friend from an- 
other Town. 

[335] 2. One of the most pleasant days. By eleven all the 
windows were open, & the enjoyment was great through the even- 
ing. Before Sunset, I went down & bathed at the Juniper, & re- 
turned & spent the evening, as tho' summer had come, without the 
least thought of fire. 37 Fishing Vessels licenced according to Law 
last month in this Office. 

3. M r Mason took the liberty of transcribing a paragraph from 
my letter respecting the " Apollo," & inserting it in the Gazette. 
This ought to be a caution in writing. Much contest in their 
Gazettes in latin prose & poetry about their abilities to teach the 
Latin Language. 

[336] 4. It being the day appointed for the ordination of M r 
U. Parish at Manchester, upon the invitation of M r Lee I went for 
Manchester in company with my french pupil M r Jgout about nine 
o'clock. We arrived between ten & eleven, & after twelve the Coun- 
cil appeared for the services. The House being both small & weak, 
& the day uncommonly warm & pleasant, the Services were per- 
formed in front of the Meeting House upon a scafford raised for 
the purpose. The solemnities were introduced by a prayer from 
M r Cleaveland of Stoneham. His Father of Ipswich being Modera- 
tor. The Sermon was delivered by the Brother of the Pastor elect, 
M r E. Parish of Byfield, Newbury, the ordaining prayer by M r 
Cleveland of Ipswich, the Charge after ordination by M r Forbes of 
Cape Ann. The prayer after the Charge by M r Dana of Ipswich, 
& the Right Hand of Fellowship was given by M r Mackeen. The 
Services were performed with decency, & listened to by the people 
with great good order. After dinner to accomodate My french- 
man I went to Cape Ann, in company with the second son of Col. 
Pierce, who had been in France & conversed with my pupil. We 
were received with the hospitality of the place. We took Tea at 
Col. Pearce's. His wife is a plain domestic woman, out of health. 
M r * Williams, a daughter whose husband is in the E. Indies, lives 
with them with three children. M" Beach, another daughter, 
whose husband is in England, who is yet in the vigour of life, gave 
us her company, & rendered herself very agreable. After supper I 
went to Esq r Rogers' and lodged with him. 

[337] 5. Breakfasted with Col. Pearce, & after breakfast 
went with him to see his Spermaceti works, his Distillery and the 
numerous artisans whom he employs. That morning arrived a 
shallop from the Bay, out 48 hours, which brought in several hun- 
dred fish, & were in the act of preparing them for the flakes. We 
then went to M ra Beach's. They are preparing their garden whioh 
is rather too narrow, but of considerable length, & which will be 
excellent when finished. In the middle is a fine fish pond. On 



360 diary op [1792 

the north side is the Rope walk in fine order layed in a bed of clay. 
In the mansion, which I have repeatedly visited, we have in the 
great entry & chambers elegantly in frames & glass all the repre- 
sentations & cuts of Cooke's Voyages, besides a full portrait of 
Capt Beach upon an eminence, with a painting of the death of 
Hector. At the Father's we have an Italian view taken from a 
painting in the Pamphili palace at Rome, richly coloured. M rs 
Beach afterwards favoured us with her company at dinner. She is 
a fine woman. I visited Charles Rogers & saw his fine wife. At 
two we set out upon our return, after many promises of another 
visit, & reached Manchester. There we heard of the intentions of 
M r Toppan of Newbury, son of the former minister, to preach a 
lecture in the evening. His fame being great, & I never having 
heard him, I consented to tarry, & was obliged to offer the last 
prayer of the service. The first time I ever spoke in a Meeting 
House by Candle light. The sermon on Abraham's offering up 
Isaac was meritorious. We lodged at M rs Hannah Lee's. 

[338] 6. After Breakfast returned to Salem, & arrived at 1/2 
past 8. 

7. A fine rain, & then pleasant again. The weather uncommon. 
Dandalions everywhere. An Earthquake at Canada, & it is said 
they have come periodically every 25 years. The dates are in the 
" Centinel." If this be true or nearly it will lead to a new Theory. 

[Apr.] 8. Sunday. Notes. Joseph Hosmer & Wife, d. of his 
Sister, & his safe return from Sea. Ruth Briggs, delivery, Husband 
& Sons at Sea. 

9. How uncertain the effects of familiarity upon minds intoxi- 
cated with prosperity, whose circumstances are above their educa- 
tion, & yet ape better things. When I meet with proofs, I have no 
other resentment than this record of it, which reminds me, cautions 
me, and does not anger me. 

10. Entered for the Centinel, Boston. A long character of D r 
Tucker in the Gazette. Several Arrivals this day, but Lambert J r 
missing yet. The Votes for Governour are more uncertain in this, 
than in any preceeding year. We were almost unanimous in this 
Town & Boston, but majorities in little Town[s] even in this coun- 
ty have been obtained for different persons. Dana & Phillips are 
the principal. 

[339] 11. Post viginti dies primo post decim, spero. This evening 
about seven o'clock a fire broke out in the Bakehouse of M r Bowler, 
in the fore street, Marblehead. The evening being dark & rainy, the 
light soon spread the Alarm in this Town, the engines set off, & 
great numbers of the inhabitants. Upon the alarm I set off on foot 
with Master Lang, who was then at my house. We arrived while 
the fire was in its fury, & continued our exertions during the whole 
time of the fire, till after eleven. We were then politely invited to 
supper, & to lodgings at Marston Watson Esq r ' B , & we accepted. 



1792] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 361 

. 12. In the morning we arose & returned to Salem, & arrived be- 
fore seven. In this fire were burnt Five dwelling Houses, a Store, 
barn, three Shops & a Bakehouse. The greater part of the Move- 
ables were saved, & no lives lost, or injury of Limbs suffered. The 
greatest sufferer was M r Bowler in whose territories the fire began. 
We may expect the particulars in the next Gazette. The people of 
both sexes collected on the occasion were many, but there was little 
subordination, & little exertion of the firewards. It is said, that 
the eldest person in Marblehead does not recollect to have seen a 
dwelling house burnt to the ground, & much is to be attributed to 
experience in the management of fires. They were poorly supplied 
with Buckets, & these principally of wood, made for domestic & 
daily use. The Town itself has three Fire engines. Three belong- 
ing to Salem were there, beside two small ones from Salem belong- 
ing to Private families. 

[340] 13. Much of the Company of Jordy entailed upon me by 
Capt Orne. He comes by a recommendation from Hispaniola & 
says he was born in the Bhinish Circles. He proposes to teach 
French & I intend to learn German from him. The weather foggy 
& rainy for the week past. No Stage has gone to Boston for several 
days, owing to the entire inaction such weather occasions. 

[341] 14. The Humane Society distribute their small sums for 
the encouragement of generous actions. They have given 10 dol- 
lars for saving lives from the Columbia. 

[Apr.] 15. Sunday. Notes. Lydia Maley, death of her 
Brother in Law Stickney & for friends at Sea. The case of this 
young woman is singular. She lost her husband on his voyage 
home, knocked overboard, has lately buried her Sister, her child 
being near death, & now has lost a Brother drowned at Sea. 

16. Came home Capt. E. Allen jun r , who long addressed the 
above woman, before her marriage to Capt Maley. Seventeen Ar- 
rivals in the week past. Began the study of the pronunciation of 
the German from M r Jordy. 

17. Proposals froin the General Post Office for a Stage from 
Salem to Cape Ann, from Salem to Marblehead, & from Salem to 
Boston. The Marblehead inhabitants have returned thanks for the 
assistance from Salem, at the late fire. Some squibs at a certain 
Clergyman for not dismounting, &c. Such things are highly dis- 
ingenuous when the purpose was so amply effected. A curious 
steam Jack notified from Hanover, Massachusetts. 

[342] 18. Reports of serious consequences from the failures in 
N. York upon business in general, & of a prevailing jealousy. 
Charcoal proposed for cleansing foul glasses, teeth, & water, 5 lb. to 
a hogshead, kept sweet. 

19. The recollection of the events of this day almost lost. Few 
were observed to recall it. There was a Sermon at Lexington for 
several years, but it has long since ceased. 



DIAKY OF [1792 

20. M r Jordy dined with me & fully explained himself. We 
congratulate ourselves that we are involved in no speculation, & 
that while the alarm is general, we are secure in our innocence. 
Whether our virtue is the cause of our innocence in this regard, 
may be a question. The point of the pavement is now before the 
Selectmen. The Gentlemen Subscribers made no objection to the 
application of their money to the purpose, excluding the sides of 
the way. They have now shifted their ground. It is one lesson in 
the police of a Town, that the execution of its Laws in the hands 
of its proper officers should never be connected with the will or the 
property of individuals. Let them help, but let the Town not de- 
pend upon them. 

[343] 21. Debates whether the Face of the President should 
be upon our coins. Overruled against the impression of the Presi- 
dent. 

[Apr.] 22. Sunday. No Notes. At the wedding something 
noisy, & not in the best order. Such things often depend on the 
character of parties. 

23. Visited this evening, & was kindly received but felt myself 
out of my Line on several accounts. M r Jordy in a letter applies 
for charitable assistance for one month. Thus my friend has en- 
tailed upon me an obligation which is quite beyond my finances. 

24. An Abraham Solis, advertised mountebank fashion in the 
Gazette, the Haerlaemer Oil, vulgarly called Hammer Oil, with 
dutch explanations of its use, to be interpreted to any person who 
will apply, & he professes to interpret all the common Languages 
of Europe, & it is said, without understanding either of them. 

[344] 25. Professor Webber with me. Gen. Washington & S* 
Clair's letters merit of the public, & will have a tendency to stop 
the scandal circulated in the Gazette. They do honour to human 
nature. Beside S 1 Clair's denial of papers in the Gazette ascribed 
to him, Chief Justice Jay has used the same expedient to undeceive 
the public in regard to himself. 

26. A violent Storm of rain, but several arrivals. The rain 
poured down the whole day. Information of the resignation of M r 
Everet of Boston of his Pastoral Charge in the New South Meeting- 
House. It is said that it is in view to use this Society with Bel- 
nap's or the Long Lane Society, & resign up that building to D r 
Walter for a church of England, on account of a division at Christ 
Church between the people upon the subject of Walter & Montague. 

27. Belnap has published & advertised the third Volume of his 
history of Newhampshire, at 7/6 in boards. From Boston from 
1 Jan. to 1 Apr. 1792, exported 94,167 gallons of N.England Rum. 

28. Came ashore at Marblehead, parts of a fishing boat belong- 
ing to M r E. H. Derby, from which we conjecture Messieurs Hunt 
& Parker were lost upon the ledges in the late Storm. No discovery 
has since [345] been made. Both have left families in this end 



1792] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 368 

of the Town, but Parker's young & dependant. Hunt was a teach- 
er of navigation, & is much regretted by the young Seamen. 

[Apr.] 29. Sunday. The Body of M r Hunt was found lashed 
to the foremast, floating in the water & brought home this day. 
Notes. Joshua French, Wife's delivery. Elizabeth Chipman, de- 
livery, Husband & Brother at Sea. 

30. The Anabaptists upon the river in Beverley, immersing their 
disciples in water & ignorance. The indulgence given by M r Mac- 
keen in exchanges with enthusiasts has not as yet any promising 
appearances. Here ends the month of April. 

The nature of this work is so various, that I find alterations 
proper every year. In the Next to begin the Alphabet at the last 
page & allow no vacant pages, but continue the indexes with refer- 
ences till they meet the work. To insert a criticism upon every 
work printed in America within my knowledge, & as much of its 
American History as is convenient. To insert every promotion 
particularly in this state which gives an political influence, or any 
convulsion in private opinions. 

[356] May 1, 1792. Presented to the office petition in behalf 
of blind Perkins. The offioe neglected to act on account of the 
Physician, who was unknown to them. How cold our charity & zeal. 

2. An attempt to get up the sunken boat, but only the cable re- 
covered. 

3. Rain continually. The worst weather for good neighbour 
hood but the best for superstitious zeal. 

4. Visited at request the Widow of Henry Parker who was 
drowned last Wednesday week, set. 37. He was of Deptford in 
England & has a mother now living in Woolwich. He has left four 
children, one male. 

5. The Law of last March respecting the observation of Sunday, 
published in the Gazette. Not at all in the humour of the present 
City manners. 

May 6. Sunday. The weather has for a long time been disagre- 
able. A fog & mist this morning, very great. Notes. Walter 
Palfray, death of his Son Hunt. Susannah Hunt, d. sudden, of 
her Husband, two sons at Sea. Joseph Moses, dangerously sick. 
D r Price was born 1723, married 1757, died 1791. Contrib : at 
Communion, 43/4. 

7. The general attention engaged by an affair between a Clergy- 
man now on the civil list, & a Maiden, whose horse the C. rode to 
death. Little things in little Towns decide a man's reputation. 

[357] 8. Association. Present Rev d Holt, Storer, Wadsworth, 
Bernard, Prince, M c Keen, & Parish, Mansfield, & Quarles. Gentle- 
men dined with us G. Fiske, M. Rogers, D. Little, Monsieur Jgout. 
Agreed to assist M r Swain of Wenham. 

9. Rode into Danvers to observe the Herring fishery aud exam- 
ined the little ponds, streams, etc. 



864 DIARY OF [1792 

• 11. Rode up to Danvers, settled for Ministers Pasture, & left 
my right iu M r Holt's hand. Viewed the Pasture & observed the 
situation. Thought of seperating my part. Major Epes has had 
the improvement by taking advantages. 

12. Rode to Nahant, & on my return, stopped at Browne's 
Farms, the Tenant being M r Crane. A. very pleasant day, glass at 
80°. 

[May] 13. Sunday. Note. Mary Martin, delivery, Husband 
at Sea. This finished this Volume. 

.ZEdeficia et alia. 

Jan. 10. [1791.] Welcome's Estate on the Lane leading to the 
water from Daniel's Lane, except the Widow's part, sold for 120£ 
at publ : Vendue. 

Feb. 2. Jon a Ingersoll's House sold. M r Amos Le Favre has 
purchased a Lot of land in Daniels Lane. M r Rowell has pur- 
chased a lot in Turner's Lane. 

Mar. 17. M r Briggs Raising his Rope walk near the Alms 
House, on the Land formerly belonging to Stone & Vincent.* 

Mar. 18. Knapp's House in Becket Street taken down. It was 
of two stories, one room upon a floor. Very antient. Capt. For- 
rester, who bought Ingersoll's House in Derby Street, has also pur- 
chased the flatts belonging to M r W m Browne adjoining. 

Mar. 29. M r Jon a Archer tert : is preparing a little Barn on the 
front of his Land between his house & Murray's. It is the Eastern 
End of the Old Tavern house next to the East Meeting House, east- 
ward. 

Apr. 18. Capt. Crowningshield, B. begun repairs about the Man- 
sion House. 

Apr. 25. Master Watson, a new fence on land opposite to his 
house at the head of Long Wharf Lane. Capt. Ashbey has taken 
down the fence before his House on the Lane opposite to his Fath- 
er White's House.f 

June 1. A Tan House has been raised upon Turner's Lane, lead- 
ing to the water on the East side, by M r Tinney & C°. 

June 2. M r Le Favre's House raised on the West side of Dan- 
iel's Lane. 

June 11. M r Rowell is digging the Cellar of his House. 

June 17. The new Eastern end to the Charity House upon the 
Common was raising this morning. 

June 24. Capt. James Chever's House painted. Capt. Tim. 
Welman's House painted. 

June 27. Our own House, Cap* Crowninshield's, new shingled. 
M r Powell's Frame of his House raised last week. 

•Pleasant street and Briggs street. tEssex street and Curtis street. 



1792] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 365 

July 5. Cap* Patterson's House new shingled & clapboarded. 
Cap 1 Moses Townsend's House new shingled. 

Aug. 16. Cap* Patterson's House new painted. Cap 1 Mason's 
House on the Common new painted. Perkins' store built at the 
Head of Long wharf. Boardman's pavement laid from his bounds 
towards Ives' Lane & the ditch dug below the cross bridge in that 
road. 

Aug. 18. M r Richardson adding a Building to the Slaughter 
house on Virgin Point. A M r Brown is forming a Bake house near 
his dwelling on the East side of the Common. 

Aug. 22. Boardman painting his elegant House. 

Aug. 25. Allen painting his House. 

Sept. 1. M r Bray painting his House. 

Sept. 1. Madam Babbidge Shingling. 

Sept. 12. M r Archer, senior, shingling. 

Sept. 18. Cap 1 J. Collins building a sea wall, in the place of the 
old one decayed. 

Sept. 29. M r Richardson adding to his bark House on the line 
of M r8 Webb's Garden between his lime pits & Bark House. 

Oct. 18. Webb's House in Hardy's Lane taken down, very old 
building. 

Oct. 28. Palfrey's House in Daniel's Lane taken down , very old , 
& infamous. English's Mansion new shingled at the eastern end.* 
Derby's Land in English's Lane new fenced, in good order. 

Oct. 29. M r Cooke raising a small Barn back of his Dwelling 
House in the main Street between Daniel's & Hodge's Lane. 

[1792] Jan. 30. Abijah Hitchins raising a Pent house and out 
house back of his Dwelling house, Becket Street. Capt. J. Becket 
setting up a Fishing Schooner in his yard, burden about 50 tons. 
Samuel Ropes forming a kitchen back of his house. 

Feb. 2. A Shop taken down in Long wharf Lane,f built 64 
years ago by M r Archer for a Cooper's Shop, improved in that way 
till 1745, & then converted into a dwelling house, & within a few 
years inhabited by Negroes. 

Feb. 15. Retire Becket setting up a small Coaster for General 
Fiske. 

Feb. 24. M r Derby raised a small House upon the land back of 
Forrester & Manning, for some superannuated Domestics. 

Apr. 19. Capt. Waters raising an addition to part of the House 
removed from Osgood's Corner leading to the Church, upon the 
land of his Father Dean, Derby Street, corner of Turner's Lane. 

Apr. 25. Capt. Chever preparing his Buildings for a Tan yard 
near his house on the Common. 

May 1. Clifford Crowninshield removed his store from Forester's 
Wharf, which is on the corner of Ives' Lane. 

•The old Philip English house, known as the " Forty Peaked House." 
tUnion street. 



DIARY 

OF 

REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 
May 14, 1792— May 28, 1798. 



[The manuscript is numbered Volume XXIII, and the original 
pagination is here shown within brackets.] 



[9] May 14, 1792. The weather pleasant. The meeting for the 
choice of Representatives & the number five thought upon, on ac- 
count of the valuation, &c, intended this year. The Hospital i8 
proposed to be opened, to prevent the expence of sending to Brook- 
lyne to D r Aspinwall. The people are divided upon this measure, 
some opposed by their age, & others from the situation of their in- 
terest near the Hospital. The Historical Society have published 
their Communications which do not tend to assist a much more 
favorable opinion of their Collection. Died M r Hilliard, aged 76. 
in English's Lane. 

15. Rode with Miss N. B. into Danvers, where we spent an 
agreable day with a pleasing company of Country Lasses. We 
walked, we sung, we played, & time never hung heavy upon our 
hands. We saw the good Parson planting opposite to his house. 
The head of the family was taken in distress, & adopted, & does 
not know his parentage. The Children are of three sorts, & are 
intermarrying, as the present is a third wife, & the wives had chil- 
dren by other husbands. A M ri W. was with us, who married a 
young Carpenter by occupation, who went with an associate, her 
present husband, to Carolina, & made an agreement that should he 
die first, the other should take his widow. After his death his 
friend sent the account with the agreement, & he is now married. 
He entertained us with some sentimental songs. There was a rais- 
ing in the neighborhood this afternoon, which prevented us from 
the company of the Parson. The river running from Reading to 
Ipswich passes near this house. We were decently mired in look- 
ing for Cranberries. We reached Salem at nine in the evening. 

16. The matter of the Hospital before the town. Whether it 

(366) 



1792] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 367 

should be opened for patients to receive the smallpox by Inocula- 
tion was overruled from the inattention of the inhabitants to the 
subject, & from the entire want of System. The Universalists 
under M r John Murray who have hitherto contented themselves 
with Relly's Hymns, have made proposals for publishing a new 
Collection, which is to have more gospel than any hitherto pub- 
lished. M r Lane & Kichards have published the terms of Subscrip- 
tion, & will be the Editors. The collection of Relly is destitute of 
poetic fancy, as well as of sober judgment. 

17. In stating the arguments with the Anabaptists upon the 
nature of Baptism in favor of Psedo baptism, they stand thus. 
The popish notion is not true that Baptism regenerates. The ana- 
baptist pleads that Conversion is before Baptism. It then is not 
the cause but the sign. A Sign denotes some relation, & implies 
some useful end. Education is the most important in the Chris- 
tian world. The sign applied to assist education is then most 
usefully applied. The form is a discretion, because the end is the 
object. The Weather rainy, chill, & melancholy. 

18. The Marblehead Academy, under the care of the Rev. Harris, 
has published, " A collection of Lessons & Hymns from the holy 
Scriptures together with forms of Prayer," Salem, 1792. There has 
been in the Mag. Mass. of the last month a paper in favour of 
written prayers, & together with a pamphlet, signed a Blacksmith, 
a sarcasm upon the Presbyterian prayers, reprinted in Newbury 
Port. This subject is more maturely considered. Calvin composed 
a Liturgy, & perhaps the utmost that can be done with discretion 
is to leave each society, or public speaker, as in his sermon to his 
option. Thus we go on. 

" Round & round, in the self same ground." 
Some Sermons of Fothergill, the Quaker, Brother to the Doctor, 
have been printed in Salem. He denies that he is an Arian, or an 
unbeliever, he believes in the important consequences of the death 
of Christ, but when he explains himself, all the force of such ex- 
pressions vanishes. The language of such people is very disgust- 
ful to me, while I venerate their piety, & rejoice that any light 
whatever is opposed to Calvinism. Such publications tend to shake 
the abominable doctrine of the Trinity. 

[11] May 20. Sunday. Preached agreably to engagement in 
the Association at Wenham. Found various causes operating 
against M r Swain's recovery of a moral nature. Took the liberty 
to offer my opinion freely to the people in regard to their situation. 
Notes. Hannah Burn,* dangerously sick. 

21. Large importations of Books of Irish Editions into Boston, 
& sold at Vendues at great advantage. On the 8 th instant 
Congress adjourned. M r Goodhue arrived last Saturday in this 
Town. 
*Byrne. 



868 DIARY OF [1792 

22. From the report of the Committee by Col. Duer, the noto- 
rious speculator, the Quarter Master department was shamefully 
neglected. 

24. The Gentlemen receiving into the Office the subscription for 
the blind boy, & having filled it up, General Fiske gave a receipt 
for the money, which at their request, & in the receipt is to be de- 
posited in my hands. £ 4, 6, 0. I delivered to the father but soon 
discovered my error, as the whole sum will probably be lost from 
the intention of the Subscribers. I never was so much embarassed 
by a charity, & I have chearfully offered the General a sum equal 
to the Subscription to be free from my task. 

25. A Letter to D r Prelate on the subject of the boy, praying 
his terms might be communicated on the shortest notice. The Man 
& his Wife are gone on with the Child, & I had not firmness enough 
to make the prudent objections to the additional expences. Had 
the pleasure of examining the second part of Paine's rights of man, 
especially the general principles. 

[12] 26. Several Vendues of Books in Boston in the next week. 
May 27. Sunday. My brother Thomas with me from Boston. 
Notes. Mary Ropes, her delivery, Husband at Sea. 

28. The Fisheries this spring have, as they did last year, pro- 
duced much more in favour of Beverly, than Marblehead. Salem is 
in a mean between both. There are various reasons given. The 
Fishermen say that the Marblehead fishermen accustomed to Grand 
banks wait there for fish, while the Beverly fishermen take advan- 
tage of less frequented places. The true reason may be that the 
Beverly men are a better class of men, Marblehead have depreciated 
much since the war. Whatever may be the cause the fact is un- 
questionable, that the Beverly men in several successive fares have 
taken much more fish. 

29. Some pretended Strictures upon the Recommendation 
of the Convention of Congregational ministers in May, 1790, 
appeared in the Gazette, in which the measures to prevent illiterate 
preachers are represented as an attack upon the Baptist & Episco- 
palian ministers, & such affrontery as illiterate preachers vomit out 
against any attempt to promote useful knowledge in the order. I 
confess I do not approve of associations for the purpose of recom- 
mending. The general sense of the clergy will preserve the merit 
of the order. But nothing will justify abuse, & misrepresentation. 
A late seizure furnishes conversation for the Town. The Beverly 
merchant having the character of a Shaver, is subject to a little 
Gazette wit. Severe exactions from the Cooper of the Vessel, it is 
said, is the occasion of the information. 

30. Being ELECTION" day, instead of going to Boston, the usual 
rout on such occasions, I planned a journey into the country but 
being disappointed of my horse, & some other mortifications occur- 
ring, which I have not wisdom to prevent, I spent the day in Salem. 



1792] KEV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 369 

I went down to the Neck Farm & dined on fish, & after dinner 
left the concourse of boys, men, & negroes, & went upon Juniper 
head, where I took a soft lodging upon a stone, & relieved myself 
by an hour's nap under the Junipers. I confess still a pleasure in 
seeing the busy pleasures of children, & cannot think there is so 
great difference in the great world & little one as I have been taught 
to imagine. As I was determined to remark upon the Strictures in 
the Gazette, after I sent to the Printer, I recollected that it would 
[13] not have been amiss to add an inquiry, whether men without 
degrees ought not in modesty to ask a certificate, & whether a de- 
nomination without a presbytery, would accept a certificate from 
one if they meant to assert exclusive privileges. 

31. Yesterday we learn that the House of Representatives & 
Senate, &c. dined at the Governour's expence, at his Seat. M r 
Tappan of Newbury preached. Newspapers in the Mail are to pay 
one Cent each within the distance of one hundred miles, & one & 
an half for a greater distance. 

[14] June 2. The Friend's yearly meeting at Salem yesterday. 
Their number present greater than usual, & the number of Books 
printed exceeds that of any former period. As they have hitherto 
been without any system, & yet write without any, in the next gen- 
eration from the progress of knowledge which is accelerated they 
will entirely change their form. A Friend from Dover tells us that 
in his neighbourhood 400 copies of Collins' Bible, 4to, are subscribed 
for, he being a Friend at Trenton. The English laugh & say, the 
American Bible is printed by a Quaker, & the press inspected by a 
Lawyer, alluding to Collins' Bible. 

June 3. Sunday. Notes. Joseph Moses, death of his Sister, 
& himself dang. sick. Hannah Byrne, dang, sick, & friends at sea. 
George Smith & Wife, her delivery and brethren at sea. A very 
pleasant day & a full congregation. 

4. We were amused this day by the Launching of a Vessel of 
103 Tons from the Shipyard of M r Enos Briggs, in the South 
Fields. We are to have another from the same yard, & another 
in North Fields in the course of this week. 

5. We have had our Library Meeting this afternoon. Shares 
are at 12£. Five volumes of the Encyclopedic are purchased & 
the assessments for the year above that Work, are 12 s /. The Breth- 
ren received a Letter from the G : Lodge of an intended visit, but 
apologised for delay on account of the absence of the G. Master in 
the proposed visitation. My Mother with me from Boston. 

6. Attended with the Lodge Committee, Esq" Hiller & Pulling, 
to answer the G. Lodge about the time of visitation. Our only ob- 
jection to the arrangement was from the absence of the G. Master, 
in whose stead a young man was deputed. The Body of M r Parker 
having been six weeks in the water, was taken up, & in a wretched 
condition. I prevailed on the wife to have it left in the Store of 



370 DIARY OF [1792 

E. H. Derby till the next morning & day of burial. M r Bernard 
& Jackson visited me this evening. M r Jackson is a man of dis- 
tinguished politeness of manners. Paid a visit at Tea to Col. Carle- 
ton. He was an Officer in the Continental army, with a family 
weakness quite short of the moral sense, & an unsystematic free 
thinker. He possesses a fine share of good nature. M r Derby has 
generously defrayed the expences of the funerals of the unfortunate 
men who were drowned in his boat. 

[15] 7. Was buried, M r Henry Parker of , England, 

fisherman. He was drowned in April with Hunt, in a boat belong- 
ing to M r E. H. Derby. He was found within the Misery Islands, 
floating. The whole skull was laid bare, the feet gone to the tibia, 
the hands with only the bare bones of the palm, & his thighs eaten. 
A very few persons at the funeral. The arms were drawn up over the 
breast, & had not left that position. An answer from the Grand 
Lodge to our Letter, in which we are assured that the G. Master 
will attend in person on the morrow, at the installation. 

8. At Twelve the Grand Master came with the G. Wardens, G. 
Treasurer, G. Secretary, vizt. G. M. Cutler, G. W. Dunn & Hoyt, G. 
S. Russel, G. F. B., D. G. M. Bartlet, &c. and the following was the 
order of the day. G. Lodge introduced by a Committee & 
opened. The Jewels in the east. The Officers of Essex Lodge on 
the right of the respective G. Officers. The Charter & Bye Laws 
of E. Lodge read by the Secretary. A prayer. The master installed 
by the G. Master, & an address from G. Master. The master in- 
stalls the Officers of his own Lodge. The Salute from the G. Lodge. 
Constitution of the G. Lodge read by the G. Treasurer. Public 
Toasts. An address from D. G. M. Bartlet. Grand Lodge closed, 
& then Essex Lodge closed, & as private at the Installation, went 
to the Sun to an elegant dinner. At five the G. Master arose & re- 
tired, & set out for Boston. After notice of a meeting next Monday 
night all retired. The Toasts were upon the occasion of the day. — 
It is not amiss under some circumstances to see everything which 
is innocently done under the sun. — My mother went to Boston. 

9. News of the death of my Brother Thomas' Child. Young 
Moses died last night. He has suffered from a Sciatica Scorb : & 
after a miserable state, &c. He was employed as an assistant to 
the East Public Writing School, & was supported partly by the 
Town & partly by the charity of his friends in his illness. M rs 
Mason died unexpectedly, but not without suspicion of having in- 
dulged too freely in spirituous liquors to her injury. Moses de- 
serves a good character, & was a young man of understanding. M™ 
Mason had a fine person, was amiable, neat, & had a most piercing 
eye. 

[16] June 10. Sunday. Sarah Hodges, apprehension of 
death & for death of her Sister Furber. Sarah Chever, d. of her 
' Sister Furber, & Husband at Sea. Alice Ropes, d. of her Sister 



1792] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 371 

Furber & Husband, & Brethren at Sea. M r Moses' funeral proces- 
sion consisted of 200 couples principally young people & children. 

11. The funeral procession was large this evening, exceeding 80 
couple. The Lodge adjusted their expences for last friday& in the 
Hall for attendance, & for the dinner, at 24 covers, upon 16 per- 
sons amounted to 14/6 each. On Friday last I sat over a large fire 
in a large company, & in a closed room with comfort. 

12. The association meeting at Rev d Holt, Danvers. Forbes 
preached. Elect means no contrast of characters, & there is great 
sin in preaching metaphysical, but none iu scholastic divinity. Re- 
turned early. 

13. Capt Crowninshield arrived from Cape of Good Hope after 
a passage of 85 days. The wind has been to the eastward for ten 
days & the fire side comfortable. Vessels windbound. The zeal of 
the New Lights ends in anabaptism because the latter screens more 
easily from Taxes. 

[17] 14. Buried H. B.* formerly a V. She had several prom- 
ising children by her husband, who was respectable, & a Master of 
a Vessel. After his decease she was relieved by her G. Mother A. 
But after being addicted to Intemperance, she proved with child and 
the father, supposed an African, was never known. She was de- 
livered of a dead child at her Father's & languished in misery till 
her death. She was a very handsome woman in her health, & since 
I have known her. 

15. A man working on Chever's Tan house, & belonging to Dan- 
vers, fell from the building & broke his leg. It was a compound 
fracture at the ancle. He was carried home. A severe satyre has 
been published in a Gazette upon an Essex Clergyman for suffering 
himself to be so busy in the Ohio Company affairs, & in the incor- 
poration of his Hamlet.f Almost 2 hundred per Cent upon the 
prime cost of East India Sugar, it is said, will be made from the 
Cape of Good Hope. M r Oliver informs me that Bp. English has 
had a visitation of his Clergy in Canada, & that but few appeared 
tho' some travelled several hundred miles. His diocese is intended 
for three, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, & Canada, when they have 
numbers enough. At present rather the Presbyterians than English 
Episcopalians prevail. He says the new Bishop has all the formal- 
ity of his office, & has made the peculiar alteration of begging pray- 
ers before his Sermon, an antique custom of part of their Church. 
I was informed that G. Fiske had obtained a vote of admission for 
me into a Fire Club, of which he is a member. I have not yet re- 
ceived the invitation in form, but happily shall acquiesce in an in- 
stitution so truely belonging to a good Citizen's patronage. 

[18] 16. The Hull of the Fishing Boat, from which Hunt & 
Parker were drowned, floated and rose, & is towed into Abbot's Cove 

•Probably Hannah Byrne. 

fRev. Manasseh Cutler of Hamilton. 



372 DIARY OF [1792 

The bows, & the keel are gone, & barnacles have formed on every part. 
The late swell from the eastward probably disengaged her from the 
pig iron ballast. The presumption is that she struck the rocks. 
Turnpike roads are begun, & much talked of in N. England. 

Juue 17. Sunday. Notes. Hannah Archer & G. Children, d. 
of their Mother Burns* and one Son at Sea. Jonathan Mason's 
wife, d. of daughter in Law, prayers for the children & for the Hus- 
band absent & children & friends abroad. Hannah Hodges, d. of 
her sister, husband & Brethren at Sea. Lydia Maley, d. of her 
sister in law, & friends absent. Preserved Elkins, d. of her sister 
in law, husband & brethren absent. William King & Wife, her 
delivery, d. of his Sister Mason & Brethren at Sea. Margaret Valpy 
& children, d. of her daughter in Law & their Sister, husband & 
Sons at Sea. Alice Cotton for herself in a weak & low condition. 

18. Saw in M r Derby's Store for the first time the Skins of the 
Zebra. It corresponded to Bomare's account. The stripes first 
struck the eye. I did not measure the proportions. M r Crovvnin- 
shield gave me the antennse of an African scseyabaeus not large, 
dentated on the interior part, two prongs at the end, & one on the 
middle of each turned upwards. M r Jordy gave me the Jaws of a 
small shark in good preservation. Three Vessels are missing from 
this port, out an unusual time. The pavement in the Town is much 
retarded by the scanty supply of Stones. The price is said to be 
too small. They ask 6 s / p r Ton. The descent from Col. Pickman's 
to Andrews corner is scarcely four feet. 

[19] 19. An invitation to dine with a very respectable com- 
pany of Gentlemen of the Town, on Turtle, at the Fort. We had an 
agreable day. The number about twenty. Essex Bank, to be held 
in part of the Custom House, being organized, promise to begin dis- 
counting next Monday. The Officers are W. Gray jun r , President, 
Capt. G Dodge, E. Pulling Esq r , M r John Norris, J. Ashton Esq r , 
Capt. W. Orne, Capt. J. White, Directors, J. King, Cashier. A par- 
ticular Letter of invitation from the G. Lodge to dine next Monday. 
In the Newbury marine List of this day, fifteen entries, & clearances, 
in the whole number, eighteen Brigs & Snows. 

20. A whale ashore at Hampton with an iron in him, advertised. 
Government ordered 150 Ton of Copper to be purchased for Coin- 
age, prohibiting afterwards the present currency. The celebrated 
Weathersfield meeting house struck by lightening. D. Shays the 
noted head of the Insurgents, is now in Worcester Jail for debt. A 
charity is solicited for him. The Cent duty upon News Papers I 
was notified began this day. 

21. Capt 8 Ives, T. Kopes, & Elkins missing from this Port. News 
of Elkins by R. Derby, who has made a very bad voyage by a spec- 
ulation upon Danish Herrings. Rode with Miss H. Hodges into 
Lynn Farms. The weather was delightful. The Orchards are un- 

# Byrne. 



1792] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 373 

injuried the grass not very thick set. Barley & Oats nourishing. 
Corn not so forward as in this Town. Garden, especially peas, for- 
ward. Plenty of Strawberries. M r Crane is upon Browne's Farm. 
We rode to Philips'. I there saw an aged woman, who finished her 
hundredth year last Christmass. She had one of her lucid inter- 
vals. She speaks thick, but strong. The first is owing to the want 
of teeth. She was a Blaney, & married a Philips, & has two sons 
living, one with whom she lives is 77set., another in Boston 75. 
The oldest was at his daily labour in the field. The old matron 
says she sprung from the same family with the Kings in Salem. 
Her memory not remarkably impaired. She complains of the cold, 
& does not sit up much. Sleeps much, & is lost upon first awaking. 
She says her husband was 17 years older than herself & did not 
remember the building of the family house in which they live. 
His G. Father owned it. Allowing him to have been born in 1675, 
then if the house had been built in 1635 which is as early as it may 
be placed, it might have been 40 years old at his birth, and no fam- 
ily record kept of its erection. It has been much altered, has two 
stories front, & a linter back,* facing south. [20] These facts lead 
me to record the following inquiries. How happened it that so 
many Quakers are settled on this spot? Did they come over 
Quakers? Then they are not first settlers & the house cannot be so 
old. By which Town was this land possessed, & when was the 
divisional line run? Did it not belong to Salem? Were there 
Quakers converted in the Country? Enter my 34th year. 

22. [Extracts " From the Records of the Town of Salem," ap- 
pearing in the original are here omitted.] [21] By information 
from Col. Pickman I learn Forrest river is that river which empties 
at Gardner's mills between Salem & Marblehead, over which there 
is a Bridge near his Farm now called Forest river Bridge. [22] 
By invitation from M r Derby the Clergy spent this afternoon at 
the Farm in Dan vers. We were regaled at our arrival, after the 
best liquors at the house, with a feast in his Strawberry beds. 
They were in excellent order, & great abundance. He measured a 
berry, which was 2 inches 1/2 in circumference. We saw whole 
nurseries of Trees, such as Buttons, fruit trees, & the Mulberry, of 
the last we had from him the following account. He takes the 
fruit very ripe, dries it, then pulverises it, & sows it in rows, as 
other small seed, & it grows above an inch the first year, & in five 
years, is eight & ten feet high by transplanting. This garden is 
much improved since I was here last. We saw Potatoes called 
early, brought from the Nova Scotia, & upon opening the hills, 
they were large as eggs at the present time. The slugs & 
worms do injury to his fruit. Besides the garden we saw a great 
variety of animal life. The Swan, a stranger among us, from Vir- 
ginia. The Cape of Good Hope Sheep with their remarkable tails, 

*Lean-to, i. e., one story in the rear. 



374 DIARY OF [1792 

weighing 5 pounds, & used by the inhabitants as butter, but of 
very delicate fat. The Garden is on our right as we went westerly 
from the house, & the barns, nursery, &c. on the left. We went 
down to the New farm, where we saw in pleasing contentment some 
old domestic servants enjoying at ease the remainder of their days. 
As our company was mixt, we had not much familiar conversation. 
The German Gardner* is yet upon the Farm. At Coffee we had 
excellent radishes, bread, & butter, & cheese from the Farm. The 
Cheese equal to any in Europe. A pair of fine Horses carried the 
waggon to the Farm, & gave an unusual stateliness to the convey- 
ance. Return at Sundown. M r Derby received us with all that 
attention, & bounty, which gratify, while they distroy not the af- 
fections. We envied nothing but his liberality to us, because we 
wished to do the same things. We felt no other emotions, than the 
innocence of rural life, the happy application of riches to facilitate 
agriculture, & most ardent wishes to please a man, who had at once 
done us so much honour, & given us so much pleasure. Hypocrisy, 
meanness, envy & party, tho' evidently associated, agreed to hide 
themselves, & like the Owls fly the light, or like timid enemies with- 
draw from the sympathy which cheerful nature, & indulgent riches 
infused into us. They peeped at the scene, we saw the eye rowl its 
intention in the dark, but retired, persuaded that we had escaped every 
[23] injury & had lost the worst in the finer feelings of humanity. 

Let narrow souls to wealth enslaved 

Anxious to keep, but never have, 

Let them survey their secret store, 

Conceal their heaps, & cry for more. 

Condemned to labour as the slaves, 

Devoid of peace, till in their graves. 

But happy he, whose generous mind 

Makes great abundance ever kind. 

The poor shower blessings on his head, 

And love him, while they eat his bread. 

Let virtue act, & man admires, 

Let virtue speak, & vice retires. 

Riches employ' d to bless mankind, 

The bliss of living ever find. 

Kind friend accept my grateful wish : 

May wealth enlarge thy happiness. 

May living green thy garden bless, 

Thy children's children see thy peace, 

And every heart seek thy increase. 

When death commissioned from above 

Removes thee to the Courts of Love, 

Still live endeared by every tie 

Of gratitude & humanity. 

•George Heussler? 



1792] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 375 

23. Joseph Green's wit upon Masonic Processions appeared last 
Friday in the Apollo. A happy specimen of retailing but no bad 
sign of the success of the institution. With D r Little fishing at 
the Fort. My Father & Sister Sukey from Boston with me. I wish 
our domestic affairs more happy. However duty is mine, & all 
events belong to God. My Friend Fiske is chosen Major General 
of the 2 d division of Militia. Sent up for an exchange which I had 
before declined from my avertion to absence in the afternoon. I 
determined in my own mind that this should be the last time of 
such a compliance. My reason, is, to be found at home at certain 
times. 

[24] June 24. Sunday. Notes. William Peale & Wife, 
death of his Brother & Sister & Son at Sea. Hetty Valpy, deliv- 
ery, Husband at Sea. Having preached a laboured discourse & as 
I thought well pursued, & again preached it on the same day in 
another society, I had the mortification to find in the evening that 
my people did not know what I was after. The disappointment 
was painful, & as it can have little effect but to discourage exer- 
tion, I hope I shall be cautious not to be too inquisitive of persons 
who are not judges, & just pride enough to preach for profit to the 
hearers by simplicity. 

25. We have the news of the death of Capt Th : West by a 
stroke from the garf on board his Vessel, and also that John Dean, 
son of Benjamin, being with his father on a voyage, was lost from 
a yard. By Caesar I learn that the Bell in the East Meeting 
House was put up in October 1772, & the Clock on the 22 d May 
1773, made by a M r Liscombe, belonging to the Town. Capt El- 
kins, about whom we have been so anxious, has arrived in Capt S. 
Ingersoll, contrary to our expectation. 

26. Went to New Mills to see the unhappy man who broke his 
leg at Chever's. He has most alarming symptoms from the Lock 
Jaw. Prayed with him. Visited M r Reed,* who was formerly a 
Tutor in Cambridge, & who married a Jeffrey, a Lady of fortune, & 
descendant from Esq r Bowditch. He has purchased a part of the 
farm formerly belonging to Governor Endicott, above 30 acres. It is 
bounded by water half its length, & is a portion of the Estate lying 
near the Great Road. The whole space between the rivers was the 
Governors Farm. Major Sprague [25] owns one part & John En- 
dicott another. It is yet in my mind uncertain what were the old 
names of the branches of North river, or in other words how to ap- 
ply the names on record. One is by vulgar report Crane River, & 
their frost fish brook running in Beverly. The situation is pleas- 
ant, but the whole is out of repair, & order. Below, towards Town, 
I was received by M r John Gardner, at the house formerly belong- 
ing to Bradish, Baker. M r G. by his last purchase has now a farm 
of 140 acres divided only by the roads, with Barns & dwelling 

*Hon. Nathan Read. 



376 DIARY OF [1792 

Houses, & he is providing various conveniences. M r E. H. Derby 
visited the Farm while I was there, & walked in the garden oppo- 
site the House. The Family of Derby had a Taste in this way, & 
M r Gardner has been long known. A curious species of Cabbage 
was found, sowed by accident, to the surface of the leaves stamina 
adhered, &c. &c. 

27. Gardiner, called the Sachem, & so notorious for his political 
interference, at one time with the populace, & then with flattery to 
the Great, is ridiculed upon the Subject of his speech upon the 
Theatre, which he extravagantly commends. Proposals for running 
the new Bridge to be built from Boston from the point in Boston 
where the Copper Works stood, near the Pest House, to the west- 
ern side of the upland of Leechmore's point, & continued through 
Shed's farm to Simpson's Corner, Cambridge. After bathing, an 
enjoyment in the water, with wet feet in company with old & young 
of both sexes. 

28. This morning died the unfortunate M r Fowler, who broke 
his leg, with the Lock Jaw. The Accident happened on the 15 th 
instant. Referees by order of Court dividing Allen & Inger soil's 
wharf. The Beferees M r W. Gray, Jn oth Mason, & N. Pierce. A 
Branch of the Union Bank intended for Salem. Capt. R. Derby 
has returned from a speculation upon Herrings in which he fol- 
lowed M r W. Gray, but with very ill success, almost the total loss. 
The regulations of the trade, as well as misfortunes of the fish con- 
tributed to the disappointment. Reports of vigorous preparations 
for War in France. 

[26] 29. News of the loss of a Swedish Boy belonging to Capt. 
Byrne, in a gale of wind. Alarmed with the apprehension that my 
good friend Hodges would lose his eldest daughter. Strout came 
up with Fiske's new constructed Brig from Maine. The Under- 
taker is very successful in his draughts but is said to be no Carpen- 
ter either by education or practice. Currants ripe in our gardens & 
plentiful. Capt. Jona. Ingersoll has arrived with success from W. 
Indies. Capt. J. Prat, on his visit from Orford. He has made a 
very unhappy arrangement, being precisely on that angle most dis- 
tant from the Sea, & any communications with the coast. 

30. This morning heard of the death of Father Swain*, the eld- 
est minister of our Association. We have all been preaching for 
him in turn, during his illness. As I have known him only in the 
latter part of life, I cannot judge of the former. I am informed in 
1759 he went into the Army, & whether there or anywhere else he 
formed, or confirmed an habitual inclination to intemperance which 
finally conquered him, & distroyed all his faculties. He married 
the widow relict of his predecessor in the ministry, Warren, & was 
so involved in his affairs, as to be obliged to take advantage of the 
Bankrupt act, & the indulgence of his creditors. Candour may 

*Rev. Joseph Swain, of Wenham. 



1792] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 377 

cover his fault by the distress of his situation, but as he never was 
a man of exquisite sensibility, that might or might not be the cause. 
In his last wife he had for several years a prudent, but guardian 
friend, & he revived during her life, but relapsed upon her decease 
almost instantly. He had several daughters of fair reputation. 
One has married a Phippen in this town, & one lives with her uncle 
Chipman, single. As to his abilities they were good. He had very 
small talents in conversation, & a very inexpressive countenance. 
He never was acquainted with theological controversy, or with any 
system of morals. His Sermons were never brilliant, or happy in 
expression, & yet never low and groveling. He was a very gram- 
matical writer, and tho' his thoughts were seldom well arranged, 
they were always understood. He had learnt french, but had never 
read their best writers. He had no acquaintance with ecclesiastical 
writers, but he had read the principal Latin Classics. He was un- 
acquainted with Criticism but frequent in quoting whole lines from 
the Classics. In the latter part of life was led by D r Cutler of Ips- 
wich Hamlet, to Botany, but his success could not be great. He 
died to the world before he died animally. His very uncouth de- 
livery, & his awkward manner gave not the populace a [27] just 
sense of his merit. For he was certainly superior to the Clergy in 
general, & wrote as useful sermons as any member of our associa- 
tion. 

July 1. Sunday. Notice has been given that the Funeral of the 
Rev d J. Swain will be attended this day, & the association are in- 
vited. Notes. Wife & Children of Benf Dean, d. of Son & hus- 
band at Sea. John Hill & wife, her delivery. Attended M r 
Swain's funeral at Wenham. The Corpse was carried to the door 
of the Meeting House, & with singing, there was a prayer by Bev : 
M r Forbes, who had preached that day at Wenham. The usual 
Sermon was omitted. The whole Association was present, except- 
ing only M r Payson. The six eldest were Pall holders, & there 
were several other clergymen present. The body was deposited in 
a brick grave. The mourners were attended homewards by the 
Clergy & the Inhabitants, & a handsome collation was prepared. 
The Association agreed to continue their supply after the Bearers, 
& we separated. Arrived home at 9 o'clock. The day was very 
hot, glass above 90°. 

2. Catechised the children, & distributed 100 Catechisms & 
Hymns at 10 A. M. We had 69 Males. At 4 P. M. 93 females. 
There was great good order among the children. The weather hot 
& windy, & the season now very dry. But it is a time of general 
health, excepting a few consumptive persons & then quite young. 
The disorder attacks in very early life, & the victims evidently in- 
crease. 

[28] 3. The sense of Mankind is warmly expressed against the 
Slave Trade. A Meeting House together with its steeple moved in 



378 DIARY OF [1792 

Connecticut. The Gazette tells us that some change in the police 
is talked of, particularly the division of the Town into wards, with 
their respective Selectmen to transact all business, &c. This may 
be an experiment to natter the propensities of the Town of Boston, 
& a method to facilitate their arrangements. The greatest error in 
this Town is not the government, but the neglect of the inhabitants 
to attend the Town meetings, & the error itself arises from the per- 
fect security the people feel, even if the offices go into unworthy 
hands. The Buoys are placed in the Harbour, the last this day. Two 
at the Aquse Vitee. One at the Endeavours, one at Abbott's rock, 
one at Hardy's rock, another at Bowditch's Ledge, & another at 
Coney Island Ledge. 

4. The day of our INDEPENDANCE, to be celebrated in every 
part of the United States. Boston has given notice of its inten- 
tions, & the patriotic Sons of Gloucester have published the same 
purpose. For ourselves a few are to enjoy a Turtle feast at the 
Fort, & the rest go about their business. As I wished to be away 
from home to day, I took a young Daughter of Capt. J. Chever, & 
rode to Philips' beach, among her relations. We fished with great 
success, & dined at Philips'. We drank coffee on our return with 
Crane at Browne's Farm & reached Salem at sundown. A very 
pleasant day. 

[29] 5. This morning application was made to me by a M r 
Parker of Andover in regard to the Baptism of his Children. His 
history is, that he was born in Andover, purchased a farm at Dracut, 
& there had his two first children, the first within seven months after 
the marriage. That upon his return to Andover, & after having two 
children more, he asked Baptism. He consented to comply with 
the old form, called seriously by some, & ironically by others, the 
" Half Way Covenant." It was to stand in the isle, read a confes- 
sion, & relation. By the persuasion of the Minister, urged by the 
other minister of the Town, this old custom has within a few years 
been abolished as it ought to be, but more restrictions have been 
put in its place, the principal one is that Communion of one of the 
Parents shall be required. My objections to this are, that Infant 
Baptism is not regeneration, or accompanied by any supernatural 
effects, but operated by education, it is encouraged as the resolution 
of parents to educate their children in a Christian manner. That 
the more useful the obligation, the more readily it should be incul- 
cated, & as early education is commonly from young parents who 
may be reluctant at the severer obligations, which may be supposed 
to follow Communion they should be left at their choice. I in- 
formed the man I would consult my wardens, & upon seeing one of 
them, after the powers of clerical persecution justly discussed, we 
thought it best to convoke the Church, & lay the subject before 
them, whether we shall baptise all who apply & whether 
we shall not dispence with the method to propound upon 



1792] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 379 

the principle, that consent was already obtained. I notified 
the man of the result, & he has consented to wait for our pro- 
ceedings, that nothing might be done but in open day, & everything 
established upon written Vote. The introduction of this method 
of requiring full Communion has depended upon the real absurdity 
of the Baptismal Covenant & the exaction of Full Communion is as 
wrong, from the nature of the rite, as commonly explained, & as 
not a proper & familiar companion of Christian worship. Were 
whole families to come, as they do to the worship, custom would 
make the one as familiar as the other, & men would no longer aim to 
designate each other by the form but by the moral virtue they 
possess. Baptism of infants can be defended on this ground of the 
patria potestas, but upon any other is to my own mind a mere inan- 
ity. They who receive it upon the last, will not probably admit my 
conclusions from the first. 

[30] 6. We had the first special Lodge this evening, & a 
Charge was read from the " Freemason's Pocket Companion " of 
which two Copies were at the Lodge, of different editions. I saw 
also Head's answer, &c. to Masonry the way to Hell, an abusive 
publication in the form of a Sermon. On this occasion the follow- 
ing form of prayer was used. 

universal Creator, on the pillars of w. s. & b. thy works stand 
fast. In feeble imitation we raise a Temple to thy praise. It is 
formed of those rich materials with which heaven is built & upon 
which it must stand forever. It is of the same proportions upon 
which thy world was fashioned, & they are inspired by thee the 
master builder. Of its pillars pure Self Love is the Base, w. s. & b. 
are the columns. But Social Happiness are its Capitals. It rests 
on the foundation of thy Throne, & stands conspicuous to thy hon- 
our. In triumph we welcome thy children to its glory. With the 
right hand of honour we accept this Brother. If he be firm we will 
build upon him a palace. If he be faithful we will make him a 
door of cedar. We will spread a pavement under his feet, & the 
canopy of heaven shall cover him. We will prepare him a plain 
path. Divine wisdom shall instruct him, his actions shall all be 
right, & truth shall encircle him. The sun shall give him light by 
day, & the moon by night, & the eye of the master shall be upon 
him for council, & for hope. His life shall be in pledge for his 
friend, & when he shall stretch out his hand, it shall never return 
empty. On his right hand & left he shall find friends to take him 
by the hand, & his feet shall never slide. His eyes shall be closed 
when he dies, & the arm of friendship shall raise him to the help- 
ing hand of his God from heaven. 

[31] 7. Yesterday the Strolling Actors in Town to act comic, 
sing sailor's songs & dance jigs for the amusement of all who will 
give three shillings. There were above one hundred at the exhibi- 
tion & generally well pleased. This is intended as the entering 



380 diary op [1792 

wedge of theatrical exhibitions, in ( favour of which Gardiner has 
published, & against which the Clergy of Boston in general have 
protested. Yesterday the Beverly merchants erected a handsome 
Beacon on the inmost point of Lobster Rocks towards their Town, 
and this day for the first time a Beacon was erected by the same 
people upon Ram's Horn rock, laying at the inward angle of the 
spit of sand, called Beverly Bar. I was present at the operation. 
The men worked in a spirited manner, & removed the highest rock in 
the whole Ledge 14 feet westward against their Beacon. It was 
put down & finished in three hours. A M r Steuart, a subject of G. 
Britain, has been on western discoveries on this Continent, particu- 
lars, authenticated, I have not seen. 

July 8. Sunday. No Notes. Time of general health. Had a 
conversation upon plain preaching. The kind was recommended 
which attracted the multitude. The arguments against it were 
there used. That an attempt to raise the understanding was laudi- 
ble. Conformity to prejudice injurious. That plain preachers so 
called were only so by their vulgarism, but dealt most in mystery. 
That the attraction was chiefly in the address & that this might be 
made to favour the most reasonable as well as illiterate men. That 
the confidence of preachers was often owing to their ignorance, & 
that hence was their advantage with the undiscerning multitude 
over modest men. That the vulgar plain preaching as it attracted 
the vulgar, disgusted more civil people, & that the latter by being 
attached to social institutions, made up for the less zeal of the vul- 
gar by their example, while the vulgar alone fell into superstition, 
&c. 

[32] 9. The young woman who told the tale of her fate, & her 
connection with two friends, & was so charming a singer, has 
another unwelcome tale to add to the changes of her life. Her last 
husband returned from Charlestown, S. C. & wrote of his arrival at 
Boston begging her Uncle to come on & convey him home. The 
Uncle set off. Meanwhile upon some complaint the returning friend 
applied to a physician, an emetic was prescribed, & it finished his 
life. The Uncle arrived & found him in his Coffin. The Wife in 
all the hopes of receiving him after long absence, & in the full joy 
of her heart, beheld the sad image of death in all its most distress- 
ing aggravations. The peculiar combination of these events in the 
life of individuals flatter the romantic woe, which so often forms 
the pictures of bold imagination. 

10. Capt. M c Pherson represents that soaking the frame of a 
House in a strong brine will preserve it from fire, & to preserve the 
shingles after long rain he recommended washing them with brine. 
Saw Col. Pickering, the Post Master General, who is at present 
in this quarter inspecting his department. He was high in the es- 
teem of the people at the commencement of the war, was disinheri- 
ted for the part he took, tho' restored by his brother. He was one 



1792] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 381 

of the secret enemies of Washington, was censured at Concord fight 
by the people, & unsuccessful as Adjutant General. The Sermon 
at Manchester Ordination is printed, but all the extravagances re- 
trenched in the several parts. 

Madam Harthorne repeating the Customs of New England above 
fifty years ago, mentioned that of asking a blessing of the aged, & 
requesting prayers. It still remains in the best families of the 
Settlers. Also a visit to Goody Smith on windmill point,* paid by 
Madam Bernard, & Gerrish, when she was young tho' present. 
After the usual salutations, & conversation, towards evening, a 
pewter pot containing one quart, was set upon the coals, filled with 
water. When boiled, it was poured into little cups with handles & 
mixed in the cups with molasses, it was handed round to the com- 
pany. I understand this to be a simple substitute for Tea. & a cus- 
tom in imitation of it. Several lives lost at New York by a squall 
on a late Sunday. The disposition for Sunday diversions increases 
in great Towns and all restraints are complained of. 

[33] 12. The theatrical mimics have exhibited a second time on 
Tuesday evening, & had their company increased from 120 to 150. 
They have ordered the Town Crier to give notice that they have 
(perhaps a mistake) assigned this evening, & as the Court of pleas 
is in the Town they may add to their number. The Cryer in the 
street at sundown is not a good sign. The best people have at- 
tended on these occasions. From Andover I learn that the Associ- 
ation instead of passing from the half way covenant to require full 
communion, propose to give Baptism without a Covenant upon pro- 
pounding the desire. The information I had before was from the 
man's fears. 

13. Capt. Smith's great success in dyking at Winnisemet has 
encouraged great attempts in the neighbourhood of Boston. 

14. Upon invitation from General Fiske I went in company 
with several other Gentlemen in his Sloop Lydia to accompany his 
Brig Sally, built upon the Maine for fast sailing & bound on her 
first voyage into the Mediterranean for fruit. We went out the 
southern way, passing the buoys, & with a light wind. We had no 
fair experiments, but were well satisfied. We parted after two 
o'clock. We succeeded in taking cod, haddock, halibut, dog fish, & 
the wolf fish. We went in a small boat & landed on half way rock, 
so called from its distance between Boston Light House & Cape 
Ann lights on Thatcher's Island. We judged its hight nearly 70 
feet, perhaps 50. It is like marble, & incrusted with sea salt. We 
brought away several specimens for examination. We fished with 
success near it for perch, but were deterred from a long trial by the 
breaking of the Sea round it, & tho' the Ocean was calm the swell 
in the most quiet place was on the sides of the rock 5 & 6 feet. 
We returned & reached the wharf after a pleasant enjoyment at 

•Foot of Northey Street. 



382 diary or [1792 

Sundown. To keep out this way from Capt Joseph White, our Or- 
acle & a man of sound judgement, & good information in these 
matters, we were to keep Coney & Eagle Island, & Baker's Island 
well open till we passed the endeavours, & then proceed on either 
side of black rock, Cat Island, Satan, or Half way rock. 

[35] July 15. Sunday. Notes. Richard Manning & Wife, 
death of their Brother. Of all the duties incumbent on a Clergy- 
man it seems to be very important for his ease, that he rightly di- 
rect his familiarity with mankind. Of all the causes of my suffer- 
ings this has been most fruitful. Every man is entitled to the kind 
look, the familiar reply, & the most pleasing civilities, but while 
they see but a little way, the unbosoming may on many accounts be 
fatal to him who suffers it. 

16. The Mackerel very plenty. The man at the Neck Farm, off 
Abbot's cove, in his small boat took 150 in a little time. The Fish- 
ermen in the offing have not been less successful. In Newbury the 
disciple of Whitefield's Nurse, Lady Huntington, has aggravated 
the Presbyterian Church into Parties. The patrons of the boy* 
have applied for the Town House & been refused by the Town. 
They applied to the Court of Sessions, but upon the report of one 
of the Selectmen that the grant would excite a mob, the request will 
not have an answer till next session. M r Derby has engaged 
Briggs to build him another Vessel. He has built three on Stage 
point since the great Ship, & will keep the same yard. The old 
Ship Light Horse to be condemned. 

17. Preparing for Commencement on the morrow. Four young 
Gentlemen of the Town are to receive their first degrees. Two of 
them provide largely for their friends. The mode of invitation is 
to be on the spot at Cambridge. Great expectations from a Willard 
Peele of this Town. 

18. Arose at 3 in the morning, & with M. Rogers & his french 
pupils together with my own Egout,t went in the stage for Cam- 
bridge. Breakfasted at Newell's, Lynn. Upon our arrival at Cam- 
bridge visited the Government, such public rooms as were open, & 
then introduced my frenchman into the Meeting House, & retired 
to Judge Winthrop's where I spent the day. A Son of Capt Jo. 
Cordyce of Charlestown, reports that he was on the voyage with 
Kendrick upon the N. E. Shores of America when he found in 59° lat. 
an inlet, & discovered an island, which he named Washington. 
That he proceeded inland 400 miles, the current setting a knot to 
the Eastward inland, & toward Hudson's Bay, & that he had no 
doubt of some communication. [36] Beside the Theses the order 
of the day was published. A Scaffold fronting the Desk was erect- 
ed for the government & the speakers, & for the first time the 
Ladies were introduced into the Galleries of the House. The Con- 

*Rey. Charles W. Milton. 
tl*reTlously spelled Jgout? 



1792J REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 383 

course was uncommonly great. The Governor was escorted by 
Fuller's Horse of Middlesex. M r Winthrop is increasing his Cabi- 
net. Left Cambridge at Sundown, & went to Boston. Lodged & 
breakfasted at D r Rand's. 

19. Attended the Thursday Lecture, dined at Master Hunt's, 
loaded myself with books at Brother Freeman's, & returned in jolly 
sort to Salem. 

20. M" Sarah Hodges died this morning after a long sickness. 
She was educated in the hardy way, but after changing her mode of 
life was afflicted with the King's Evil, & determined to get rid of its 
disagreable appearance was forced into the habit which finished 
her days, turning the disorder upon the vital parts. A worthy 
woman. The conduct of her sister Boardman in regard to her has 
been so ingenuous, as to attract the public notice. She has been 
the Mother & the unceasing Benefactor. 

21. A Party with Capt. Allen gave me an invitation to go with 
them on the water, but the usual observance, not to go on parties 
while families were in affliction, prevented my acceptance. 

22. Sunday. Notes. Mary Boardman, death of Sister Hodges & 
Brethren at Sea. John Hodges, d. of his daughter & Sons at Sea. 
James Chever & Wife, d. of his sister Hodges, & Brethren at Sea. 
Alice Ropes, d. of her Sister Hodges, herself sick & weak, husband 
& Brethren at Sea. Mary Bateman for her delivery, husband at 
Sea. I was not at all pleased with my afternoon Sermon & other per- 
sons perhaps were not much better pleased than myself. To write 
in haste, & to supply at the moment is inaccurate & sometimes non- 
sensical. [37] I formed a resolution for the future to have at least 
half & the last half of my sermon practical, & to study that reason- 
able gratification of my hearers, which should coincide with a 
sacred regard to my own scheme of doctrine. 

23. The Company of Rev d Clark at my own house & at his Fath- 
ers. Evening with Col. Pickering & the family connections. 

24. Answer to Anti-Morgan charging him with an ignorance of his 
own Language, & directing him to go to school again. A short 
answer returned, comprehending one of the Canon of the English 
Church, & some criticisms upon his criticisms. 

26. Yesterday his Excellency the Governour, L. Governour, &c. 
passed through this Town on their way to Portsmouth. 

27. Spent the day in the innocent recreation of a party upon the 
water. Capts Allen & Welman with their friends undertook the 
preperations. We went into the Bay, caught large fish & passing 
without half way Rock we landed on Baker's Island & spent the 
day. One of the Ladies was sick. We returned in the evening, & 
rowed the greater part of the distance. As we came into the har- 
bour we had a breeze, which brought us to the lower wharf at nine 
o'clock. I am not free from the disagreable beginnings of Sea 
Sickness. Received at the General's, Judge Burke of Carolina 



384 DIARY OF [1792 

south, M r Hazlehurst, merchant, Cap 1 Sprie of the British Navy & 

, they are upon a Journey Eastward. They were disappointed in 

the appearance of Salem, after seeing Marblehead. 

[38] 28. A gold sleeve button found near Shallop Cove, where 
the coins were found. It is small, but thick, round with a rose 
upon it, & the workmanship equal to any work at present sold of 
the kind. The inland navigation is still talked of in this State. 

July 29. Sunday. Notes. James Carroll & Wife, her deliv- 
ery, & Brethren at Sea. A late painful bereavement, by which the 
world is deprived of a very hopeful youth, may owe its cause to the 
excessive severity of parental discipline, & an over hasty temper. 
There is not want of affection, but a great want of self government. 
These cases are recorded that I may be furnished from my own ob- 
servations of the last effects of moral evils. 

30. The levity of youth has spread a report of the death of C. 
Ingersoll, which has gone through all the Gazettes of the State. 
A check to such folly, in the pain it must create among his numer- 
ous acquaintances. M r Parker was with me this day from A.ndover. 
Last evening I consulted my Wardens, the other member tho' in- 
vited not present. They agreed that I should act my own judgement 
about propounding or Christening any persons whatever. A liberty 
which affords me great pleasure. M r Parker has now permission 
to bring his children whenever he pleases. The churches are in 
some agitation upon this subject. The bigotted who have obliged 
communions are not so fierce. The half Covenanters repent, & the 
middle way, propounding will probably be the first step in many 
places to improve the present order of the Churches. 

31. Anti-Morgan made his appearance again. There is much 
speculation who his antagonist may be as it is yet unknown even 
to himself. He has taken no pains to satisfy this curiosity. There 
is a pertinent hint to Marblehead Academy about spouting. So 
much talk has been in the Country about Theatrical entertainments 
that they have become the pride even of the smallest children in 
our schools. The fact puts in mind of the effect from the Rope 
flyers, who visited N. England, after whose feats the children of 
seven were sliding down the fences & wounding themselves in 
every quarter. 

[39] August 1. Spent the afternoon at the Fort in the same 
company which formerly cost me so much trouble, & very agreably. 

2. The Slave Trade engages the public attention. Sinclair re- 
turned into this port, & being without the affections of the people, 
was a fit subject for the Law. S. Cleveland, of the G. Jury, with 
a precept & Sheriff, taking such assistance as they pleased went to 
his Vessel, but found he was at his house, to which they went direct- 
ly. He was in the room below & received them but soon suspect- 
ing their design he slipped up stairs, & fastened the door, threat- 
ening death to any person who should approach him. The officer 



1792] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 385 

burst the door, Sinclair threw down his arms, & jumped out of the 
window, & was apprehended by the guard below. He was con- 
ducted to close prison, his property attached, & that of Capt. J. 
Waters for this infamous trafick. News this morning of the death 
of the Reverend M r Holt* of Danvers. On the Sunday before last 
he preached at M r Bernard's & his death is to us all very sudden. 
He was a very large man, tall, & corpulent, large boned, strong, 
laborious, '& healthy. He died from a swelling in the neck which 
I have not heard discribed. He was an honest man. His services 
were faithful. He went late into the ministry & retained his rustic 
address through life with the least possible alteration. He was a 
man of no information but much respected for his integrity, hos- 
pitality, & fidelity. He was liable to suffer from being duped, but 
not capable of being persuaded to any thing which was not to him 
matter of conscience. 

3. The Funeral of M r Holt drew together a great concourse. A 
prayer on the occasion by Rev. P. Payson, & a Sermon by Rev. 
Forbes of Cape Ann. The Pall was supported by D r Willard, Pres- 
ident of the University, Rev d Forbes, Payson, Fuller, Bernard & 
Storer. After the Funeral was a repast, a conference with the 
Church, & a proposal to exchange with a candidate, or supply the 
desk by the Association for the benefit of the widow. Holt, aet. 67. 
Sinclair's examination was held this day, in which the worst evi- 
dence which could be produced by a New England man was brought 
against him. That he cruelly & wantonly corrected his men, and 
was the occasion of their death. The Public seem generally agreed 
that the prosecution was reasonable, but differ much about the man- 
ner. Some wish to see the injured sailors first, some the whole 
humane society, &c. But while some villains are outrageous, the 
many are convinced that the whole is a debt due to humanity. 

[40] 4. Mr Parker's children were brought from Andover & 
were christened. They appeared to be a lovely family, & the de- 
portment of the Parents was equally engaging. I gave a certificate 
to which I added, " agreably to the practice of the East Church in 
Salem." As this is the first attempt of this kind in the county, it 
may be productive of some useful enquiries. The Slave trade now 
engages the public attention. The Sons of Belial are outrageous, 
the candid, convinced of the necessary restraints, do still regret the 
sufferings of individuals. It is pretended that the property is hid- 
den, & there is nothing which will not be done to conceal the guilt, 
& screen the offender. 

Aug. 5. Sunday. Notes. W. King & Wife, d. of youngest 
child & Brethren at Sea. Jn° Collins sen : & Wife, her delivery & 
Son at Sea. Edw : Allen & Wife, her delivery & Sons at sea. This 
day I delivered three discourses, attended the Communion, chris- 

*Ber. Nathan Holt, sod of Nicholas, of Andover. 



386 DIARY OF [1792 

ened three children in three different houses, & had a wedding in 
the evening, having made fourteen prayers. An unusual service. 

6. Things in a calm again. Capt Barr has returned, who lost 
his Vessel on the Bahama Keys. A young man much bruised by a 
fall from Pierce's House. Several families which removed to Bal- 
timore & the Southward have returned again to their native New 
England. From fact it appears that such removals have not been 
successful whether because the families were decayed before their 
departure, or from habits, preferred their acquaintance, when pos- 
sessed of slender means of support. 

7. We have a character of Rev. Holt in the Gazette. The 
Methodists in Lynn held, as says the Gazette, their first conference 
at Lynn, ever held in this State. Three were ordained Elders, & 
one, a Deacon. Jesse Lee chosen unanimously Minister of that 
Church & Congregation, & the right of Fellowship given him by 
the Bishop, four Elders, a Deacon & Lay Preacher. Their Sermons 
have been numerous. 

8. The beginning to ornament Monuments & Tomb Stones, by 
Col. Dawes, has produced some remarks in the Gazettes, to char- 
acterise this period in the Arts, &c. of America. Hitherto the Town 
of Boston has been destitute of such ornaments excepting only 
three in the Chapel Church. 

[41] 9. Several Accidents by falls this week, but none of them 
fatal as yet, or within my acquaintance. Recalled my Isaac, a 
piece intended for the Gazette in answer to the several signatures 
ag. Anti-Morgan. 

10. Several mariners sick of the W. India Flux. The Slave 
Trade affair has incensed most violently a certain class of people 
against the Informer, whose life has been threatened. 

11. A Fire engine has been finished in Boston for the Town of 
Gloucester. 

Aug. 12. Sunday. Notes. Johnson Briggs & Wife, d. of eld- 
est son. John Moses, d. of G. Father, Brother & Sister in his 
absence, thanks for return from sea & for Brother at Sea. Ruth Bab- 
bidge for her delivery, husband at Sea. Nath. Rogers & Wife, her 
delivery. My idea in substance is this upon Examination of Can- 
didates, that Testimonials shall be produced of their sound morals 
& their literary qualifications that upon these they may propose 
themselves, that the people shall be free to act their judgment, & 
that the consequent ordination shall have no examination whatever, 
but be an execution of the will of the people, expressed in the 
usual invitation. 

As to the administration of Baptism, as I view it, when applied 
to Children as designed to assist education, I hold it free to all 
men. That no man can justly object to a serious request for its ad- 
ministration, & therefore all propoundings are unnecessary, espec- 
ially as objections have arisen from one quarter only, that is births 



1792] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 387 

within the nine months, or illegitimately. That the public admin- 
istration is optional, because the parents are the sponsors, & cannot 
always be so easily present in public, & it is a domestic rite, & the 
service may more easily in private be accomodated to circumstances. 
That often censure may fall on parents, who may be deterred on 
this account from the ceremony, that poverty may prevent the 
usual preparations, & that no real advantages in the influence upon 
life are found to attend the requisition of public baptism. Its mode 
then should be discretionary. 

[42] 13. Catechised the Children & had above 90 of each sex. 
180. They were in much better order than ever before. Had 
another female drubbing on account of neglecting in the funeral 
sermon to discuss the merit of her son as it deserved, after some 
odious comparisons, hearty threatenings & a sufficient quantity of 
base reflection we parted. I was happy in bearing the whole with- 
out any painful reflection on the part of suffering which I took. 

14. M r Gray's Brig, Ward, returned after having shivered 
her foremast in a thunder storm in the bay. She was bound 
to Cape of Good Hope. The exhibitions of the Players in 
this Town have finished. The Players thank the Town for their 
candour, & the Gazette tells us that even the families of the Clergy 
attended. 

15. News of the death of my Aunt Ridgway, who stood me in- 
stead of a Mother, while in my G. Father's family. I am very 
much indebted to her for her attention through life. This day I 
went with a party in Derby's open boat to visit the islands & take 
fish. After the rain of yesterday the weather was squally. We 
could not land at the Misery Island, & was obliged to put in. We 
reached Marblehead little harbour, & landed on Orne's Island. We 
there found the men who took Capt Becket, the head of our party, 
from the waves, when the whole boat's Crew perished beside him- 
self & boy, in a like squall, 1773.* They advised us to tarry & 
not attempt a return. In the evening the boat was brought round, 
but the greater part of us returned by land to Salem. 

16. Waited upon the Hon. M r Gibbes & Wife of Charlestown, 
& M r8 Bradford of Philadelphia to see our Manufactories at Salem 
& Beverley. 

17. Went to Boston to attend the funeral of my Aunt Ridgway. 
Visited the Bell Foundry, & saw the preparation for the casting of 
a Bell for the North Brick Meeting House, the first attempt in the 
Town of Boston. 

18. Visited the Clergy of my particular acquaintance. Found 
many promising candidates in the Town, & great expectations in 
the people from their abilities. Returned to Salem in the Stage, 
after having paid every attention to my friends, &c. 

* The Salem Custom House boat was overset in a squall, June 17, 1773, and ten persons 
■were drowned. 



388 diary or [1792 

[43] Aug. 19. Sunday. Mother & Widow of deceased James 
Jeffry. John Webb & Wife, d. of Son in Law, & son at Sea. W m 
Webb & wife, d. of B. in Law. Wife of Benf Webb, d. of B. in 
Law, Husband at Sea. James Archer & Wife, her delivery, 
Brother at Sea. Preached my Tradition Sermon at Bernard's, 
which I lately preached with acceptance at Prince's. 

20. Several arrivals this day. Some Mulattoes from Hispaniola. 
The prospects of peace from the arrival of Troops in the Island in- 
creases daily. 

21. Some person has espoused the cause of Anti-Morgan in the 
Gazette. Some severe remarks on the neglects of the Burying 
Ground. Visited Phillips Beach & Browne's Farm with Miss 
Treadwell, & fished from the Rocks below the House. M r Gibbs 
returned from his Tour eastward. 

22. M rs Berry who died yesterday was sometime since cut for a 
Cancer in the breast, which seemed in a favorable way, but began 
to be troublesome, & she ended in a Consumption. She has had a 
daughter, addicted to intemperance & very zealous in religion. One 
of the unhappy examples of these associations. This day the 
Pavement was finished at the Andrew's Corner as continued from 
the Center of the Town. 

23. Delivered another Anti-Morgan paper to the Printer. The 
drought has become great, & for some time the ponds on the com- 
mon have been entirely dry. 

24. The Stones brought for "the pavement, said from Milk Island, 
came from Norman's Woe. The Length of the Pavement given by 
the Workman from the old to Andrew's Corner is 3120 feet. The 
Store belonging to Capt. B. Crowninshield, back of our house 
raised this afternoon without accident. 

[44.] August 26. Sunday. Notes. John Berry & children, 
d. of his wife. Sarah Elkins, d. of her sister Berry. Abigail Ber- 
ry, d. of her Sister in Law. 

27. The Gutter from the pavement leading on to the Common 
being 156 feet on a descent of 18 feet was finished this day. Last 
night was a frost very visible in the morning. D r Stillman is to 
preach a lecture in this Town tomorrow evening & the drummers 
have been round to notify it in all parts of the Town. 

28. This evening as an exception to a general rule I attended the 
evening Lecture at the old Assembly Boom to hear the celebrated 
Doctor Stillman, & after his "cock & bull story," pressed through 
the crowd homewards, laughing at my folly. He is to preach on 
the morrow at Story's, Marblehead. 

29. In consequence of an invitation from the Rev. Hopkins I 
went this evening to the Tabernacle to hear the Chaplain of my 
Lady Huntington, just arrived from England, Johnson, to settle 
the affairs of the Orphan House in Georgia, &c. We had the same 
song of total depravity & regeneration with very singular quotations 



1792] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 389 

& expressions. The Doctor rested total depravity on the sin in 
the world, express Text,& the feelings of believers all of which are in- 
adequate proof, & regeneration upon its instant effects, for nothing 
else could be produced. It would not be amiss in the clerical char- 
acter to notice these. All our Clergy received invitations, & were 
present, but determined to be there no more. One modest question 
was "Can you make a meal of death, can you digest damnation?" 
We are told that in Boston they have agreed upon a general inocu- 
lation through the Town, & that many had already undergone the 
operation. It is said that Salem never admitted Inoculation into 
the Town but in pressing necessity opened hospitals in the vicinity. 
There is a strong jealousy excited respecting the part Salem & 
Newbury Port mean to take in the present situation of Boston. But 
from the want of a back country & good harbour we must be con- 
tent to depend on our industry. My Singers made some new ar- 
rangements, & meet at Le Fevre's & are soon to meet in turn 
throughout the parish. 

[45]. 30. At one o'clock a fire broke out in a Hatter's Shop 
improved by Young, directly opposite to the Sun Tavern. The 
workmen had gone into a neighboring house to dinner. The fire 
communicated from the flue to some shavings carelessly scattered 
in bringing from an adjoining building. The fire had passed to 
the side of the Shop before it was discovered. The want of order 
& arrangement after the alarm, prevented an immediate supply of 
water from the river, & the season having been very dry, the pumps 
soon failed. The fire in the delay prevailed so as to distroy a 
small house in the east, & to oblige the pulling down of one to the 
westward. Both of these buildings might have been saved with 
prudence. Soon after the fire a strong gust of wind came up 
which lasted half an hour, succeeded by a thunder storm. In 
such a gust the fire might have done unspeakable dammage. Two 
Widows named Beckford, & Manning were sufferers in the Houses, 
the last more particularly. The young man left his stock in the 
Shop. The public House, & Buildings caught fire repeatedly but 
with little injury. This is only the second fire since I have been 
in the Town. The former was Gray's Shop & Welch's Buildings 
on the Street adjoining to the Common. My Services were up to 
the waist in the Dock mud below the Sun Tavern. The People 
shew great reluctance in going to so uncomfortable situation. 

31. Sickness begins, two young misses in consumption, two 
men returned from the West Indies with fever & flux. I conclude 
to appropriate part of each Sunday minutes for a similar record, to 
be reduced at length into order as the Bills of mortality. The 
Conversation turns upon the Small Pox, which has the permission 
of the Town of Boston to pass through. Some propose to give the 
same liberty here, or at Marblehead. Some are removing from Bos- 
ton, & others are calculating the advantages to be derived from the 



390 diary op [1792 

state of the Capital. At the fire some think more property was 
lost than was needful for safety. Question, why should not the 
Town restore property distroyed for the public service by Law? 
Because it would not in all cases be a charity, & the rich would de- 
mand it, or because the poor would assist with reluctance to remove 
property they must restore. It is best to leave it to generosity. 

[46.] September 1. The Boston Gazette tells that already 8,000 
persons have been inoculated in that Town, & that Charlestown has 
followed their example. This Town are to have a Meeting. 

Sept. 2. Sunday. As I took the liberty in the most exception- 
able manner to deliver my sentiments against total depravity, 
as preached at a late lecture, I ventured to convert to my use two 
passages, the whole from Pitt but the two last lines from Savage, 
thus altered in the delivery. The genuine lines in no. 6. 

As a drunkard's dream together brings 
A court of coblers, and a mob of Kings 
Such is a sermon, where confusely brought 
Are words from Paul & Drelincourt. 
One verse from Peter, then from John 
And then conclude divinely with their own 
Like oil on water mounts the scripture up 
Unmixed 'tis always sure to be at top. 
Thus Coblers when on tubs they teach 
Buffoon the gospel that they mean to preach. 

Lydia Beadle, remaining very sick & Sons at Sea. Bethiah 
Shehane for delivery, Husband at Sea. One in Consumption long 
lingering, in middle life. Two very weak, in youth. One la- 
bouring under W. I. Flux, after several months. One under Con- 
sumption & Asthma. 

3. This day the Town met upon petition of Major Harthorne & 
others to consider whether the Town will admit a general Inocula- 
tion, or an inoculation at the hospital, & other buildings & whether 
they will take any precautions on the matter. Hon. B. Goodhue, 
Moderator, after prayers, & business open, the Major H. begged 
leave to withdraw his petition as to the first article in regard to 
a General Inoculation. It was overruled, & proposed to take the 
sense of the Town which was unanimously against a general Inocu- 
lation at this time. The Arguments were that no person was infest- 
ed in the Town or its vicinity, that the majority of the Town had 
not had the disorder, especially of the aged, that as Boston was 
shut up, we ought to [47] improve our political advantages, that it 
never had been through the Town & was a novelty to which circum- 
stances did not lead them to submit. As to the Hospital the mo- 
tion was not so generally rejected, but as Trade operated on most 
minds, which concurred with the prejudice, it was ordered not to be 
opened. The Selectmen were order [ed] to take the proper precau- 




^=-Z^>^2^ ^/t/m^m*// l^Zs za^&t^/ 



Doy/e 2>el 



'1^ . 



WfaA ImanSc 



From the Omnium Gatherum, Boston, June, 1810. 



1792] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 391 

tions, & the meeting closed in peace. Several have gone on to 
Boston & its vicinity immediately to become subjects of the inocu- 
lation, which is tolerated until the fifteenth day of the month. 

4. The district Federal Court opened this day. At prayer I felt 
all the emotions of early youth, & the agitation was so great that 
I could not by the most diverting scenes of the Country free myself 
from then for the whole day. Went to Danvers & dined & then 
passed over to Middleton to take the last view of the Rev d Smith, 
whose cancer has spread excessively, & whose paralytic shock has 
rendered him incapable of distinguishing his friends. Returned at 
eight, & was at the Lodge. 

5. The earth continues to be excessively dry. The air morning 
& evening is cold, & the whole vegetative kingdom is in a very suf- 
fering condition in this neighbourhood. Not a drop of water has 
been found in any common pond for six weeks, & the earth is dry 
in them at a great depth. We have had several frosts. Corpus 
wt. 207 lb. an increase of 7 lb. above the last. 

6. The laugh of the public is turned upon Timothy Dexter of 
Newbury Port, who by speculation had amassed a large sum of mon- 
ey & not content with his own sphere, first purchased the house of 
Nath. Tracy & there awkwardly exhibited his pranks, then put 
himself in a ridiculous situation in the meeting-house, & finally 
married his only daughter at 18 years of age to a Bishop, alias J. 
Martin, schoolmaster, actor, excentric writer, traveller, & the author 
of Ogden's answer to Macclentock, & disputer with Gardner, 
alias the Sachem. After publishing & not publishing the bands, 
turning out of doors, & inviting in, she was married at midnight, 
then helped himself from Timothy, was obliged to return what he had 
taken, & with 100 dollars has gone on to Connecticut, & Timothy's 
daughter has returned to her boarding School. Timothy has now 
parted from his wife because she is old, upon a contract paid of 
2,000£ & the horse & chaise, & is looking out for a young wife. 
The wife, who sold a pint of shot, as pound, because a pint is a 
pound the world over, has retired. Timothy went in mourning for 
several days, & is now parading the streets with all the pomp of 
the feather & the fool. He has published in the Gazette repeat- 
edly, & most ridiculously, several papers. 

8. Spent the greater part of this hot day in fishing. Several 
have gone on for inoculation in Boston & its vicinity. This is the 
common Subject of Discourse. The number is supposed to be very 
great in Boston, & it is reported that several Towns have permitted 
in recluse places the inoculation. 

Sept. 9. Sunday. Notwithstanding what was noted in the minute 
book, I ventured this morning to allow the difference between Paul 
& Jesus, & to impute the conduct of their virtue from their respec- 
tive situations, the one in a dissolving police, & the other in the 
theatre of the great world. In the evening I denied morality a fair 



392 DIARY OF [1792 

internal evidence of revelation. It may show the effect good, but 
can prove nothing supernatural. The evidence is from the nature 
of morality, the progress, & the judgement of men upon it in their 
own age. I wish to put these ideas more fully upon paper at some 
favorite moment. 

10. After repeated attempts to establish a Market in the Town, it is 
said that several Gentlemen have purchased the spot on which was 
the late fire, opposite to the Sun Tavern. The first proposal was 
at the Old Town House, but this could not obtain, then in the 
Square formed at the bottom of Washington Street as it leads east- 
ward & southward, then on the Common & below the Court House. 
We are told the Land is to be offered to the Town, or appropriated 
by the proprietors for this purpose, upon their refusal. 

11. Association met at Dan vers, Wads worth's. The Sermon by 
M r Bernard was on the subject of mortality among the Clergy of 
which we have had so many examples. Cape Ann, Andover, New- 
bury, &c. have concurred with this Town to keep the Small pox 
from their several Towns so long as it can be possible, or till more 
immediate danger. The Bridge at Providence is compleated, it be- 
ing 120 feet long & 50 wide. The Architect, Whiting of Beverley. 
The Providence College has granted a Doctor's Degree to M r 
Benj a Foster, now of New York, lately Itinerant Baptist at New 
Mills. 

[49] 12. The Singers at my House this evening, a very large 
company to which I added the french Gentlemen in the neighbour- 
hood. The Ambassador Hammond from England, furnished a cu- 
rious anecdote of Timothy Dexter of Newbury Port, to whom, as 
living in the house which Jackson occupied formerly, he delivered 
the letters directed to the latter. He was told upon entry, the 
money he had made, &c. 

13. For the first time I was present with the fire club, called 
Union. The principal members were present. The evening passed 
in agreable conversation, & on subjects adapted to the meeting. 
Mention was made of the Garret pullies in case of fire, the visits of 
the members to all the avenues, &c. of the respective houses, upon 
the convenience of Ladders, with which we are unsupplied, upon 
the size of Buckets, the smaller having been preferred for speed, 
easy passing, & saving the water. Upon having Axmen with each 
engine, & a great number of Buckets provided at the Town charge. 
Upon the Fire poles & hooks, & chains. Whether the Society in 
making up the loss of Buckets & Bags at fires do not relax the care, 
which they ought to strengthen, & whether every member is not sup- 
posed voluntarily to make the sacrifice at his own expence. Wheth- 
er the taking down houses if many are near, unless actually in a 
blaze, be not injurious, by giving a free passage & airing to the 
fire ? How far the providing sails 24 feet square, as is proposed by 
the Town officers, with poles, & clues, will supply the necessity of 



1792] EEV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 393 

this waste of property. Whether the taking down, or moving a 
house in flames, especially in times of wind, does not aggravate the 
danger. Whether in case of a building involved in flames the 
Engines should not be directed to the lower part of the fire, as 
water in the case of chimnies on fire is applied below. On the 
most proper engine carriages in order to convey the engines to the 
neighbouring Towns in case of distress. They have suffered much, 
& are excessive labour to transport on their common carriage 
wheels. Some propose the small front chariot wheels, others, for 
the greater expedition, the largest wheels? With carriages which 
depress the axletree in the middle & receive the Engine a foot from 
the ground? Why could not wheels & axles be so contrived as to fit 
on upon occasion at each end, & play in the common ruts? Two 
screws at each end would be competent for their confinement. Let 
the heads of the screws be secured by plates. 

[50] 14. This evening I attended the Funeral of a french Gen- 
tleman by name Pickerdeati. He came for his health & tarried at 
Buffington's at the Ship, but removed about a fortnight since to 
Parson Holt's widow's at Danvers & there died. He had a Mulatto 
with him. He has been married & his wife is dead, one child living, 
a mother & brethren & sisters. I received the first funeral fee in 
money this evening. The whole was performed very decently. Re- 
spectable men supported the pall, & carried the body. The Gen- 
tlemen from Martinico, his friends, walked with the Ladies as 
mourners, & a very considerable number of the inhabitants of both 
sexes followed. Pickerdeau was from the neighbourhood of Port- 
royal in Martinico, set 32. Alias Piquedeau. An alarm of fire from 
a Brig in the upper part of the Harbour, but no material damage 
done. 

15. Several Merchants from Boston have proposed to take stores 
in the Town during the present Situation of Boston. The effects 
expected from the stagnation at Boston have not been very strong- 
ly felt here. As to our Market for flesh it is more dull than usual, 
as may be plainly seen. The number of 300 persons which might 
have been inoculated in the Town if merely interest is considered, 
amounting at least to an expence of 1500£, will exceed our gains. 
Eegard to the aged, &c. is another consideration. Eeports from 
Boston are at present favourable, but as all Bells, & processions at 
funerals are forbidden in Boston during the Inoculation, we have 
no means at present to judge of the fatality. The presumption is 
however very favourable. 

Sept. 16. Sunday. Delightful rain begun this afternoon. Notes. 
Lydia Beadle, contin : of prayers for her sick & Son at Sea. Re- 
ports are that very young children suffer most from inoculation. 
Three consumptive cases the only known sickness of the week. 
The present arrangement of the Singing disagreable to me on the 
following accounts. The Sums to be appropriated are such as re- 



394 DIARY OF [1792 

main after my salary is paid. The Salary for no one year ever was- 
paid, therefore no such sums remain. The Singing then is out of 
my interest. The matter is referred to the Committee & no vote 
passed. But objections have been made reasonably to paying for 
Singers by proprietors money, & that it ought to be done by Sub- 
scription. The Committee have not acted [51] on the matter, & I 
have nothing to shew for my expenditures. The Proprietors voted 
me the loose money for my indemnification, but that is now utterly 
stopped, & it was my only resource. The Treasurer delivers the 
the money to me, even a receipt from the master, & take not the 
delay of payment upon the Treasury but charges it as my own mon- 
ey. More Art than Honesty. 

17. In attempts to settle with Groce, who disingenuously left 
us without notice, I find that his first school was opened on 18 Dec 1 
ult. & his Letter resigning the School Aug. 5. The Rain which be- 
gun yesterday continued all night & the whole of this Day, & is the 
first soaking rain since early in the spring. Madam Jeffry died 
yesterday at noon. Said the Boy to his mother, there's one blunder 
in the Bible, for it says Old Bottles a'nt as good as new ! True my 
child, says the matron, but these bottles were made of Asses' skins, 
which soon crack. 

18. After various reports respecting the spread & success of the 
Small Pox in Boston & its vicinity, I undertook to go, & see, & was 
supplied with horse & Chaise by G. Fiske, upon condition of bring- 
ing his niece from Hon. Gerry's at Cambridge. After dinner I set 
out, & arrived at Cambridge at sunset. A universal Silence seemed 
everywhere. At the Smoak house below the college, no representa- 
tions that I had come from Salem would save me from a Smoaking. 
I went to Bradish's. The Colleges were in vacation. I found at 
last the librarian & went with him to M r Gerrys who politely re- 
ceived us. We returned to Bradish & spent the evening, my friend 
Winthrop not being in Town. M r Harris paid high Compliments 
to the elegance of M r Gardner's Compositions at Trinity Church. 
Lodged at Bradish's. 

19. Breakfasted, & then went for Brooklyn for Aspinwall's 
Hospital. Directly opposite to the cross road leading from Cam- 
bridge Road into Watertown Road, & thence upward to the meeting 
house, below the hill, past which is the junction of the Cambridge 
& Watertown road leading on to Boston, is the entrance to the Hos- 
pital. A few rods after entrance on your left is a plain farm house, 
called the Well-House for inoculation, & the return of the patients. 
On the right just above is the house of the Physician, now appar- 
ently old, but under actual repairs. We pass directly in, then incline 
to the right, & having a wood on the right & a Brickkiln opposite 
the Hospital, in less than half a mile from the entrance we find the 
proper Hospital. It is a Square Building, surrounded by trees, 
called the Grove, at a few rods distance, of a good elevation with a 



395 



^792] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 

crown Koof [52] and containing nearly 100 patients. They were 
well & this hospital has been conducted with uncommon success. 
The 'last experiments are not the best, & it has been imputed to the 
less care in the choice of patients from the impulse of danger, & 
from the inability to cleanse as before when patients were crowding 
for admission. So say the Patients. Still they were well, in a 
fair way, tho the eruptions were more numerous. Here I tound 
M r Hovey, M r Carleton, Watson & Miss Ruth Briggs. I then pro- 
ceeded on for Boston, & found that the people in general agreed 
that it had gone hardest with children, from a fortnight to five years 
old tho' they would by no means agree in the number of sufferers, 
or the degrees. Most of the deaths of adults were palliated by cir- 
cumstances happily adapted to relieve the minds of Survivors un- 
der the operation. In our own family I found the loss of one child, 
& several now under the operation from the ill success of the inoc- 
ulation A cousin after the Small pox confined with the Nettlerasn, 
so called. Among my parishioners I found in the following cases. 
A Nephew of Joseph White, several eruptions in the face, full, do- 
ing well. Four children of J. Briggs, not many eruptions, doing 
well Son of John Collins, Symptoms high & threatening. Son & 
D of S.Ingersoll, Boy not many, well. Daughter, pale, weak, pock 
coming out. Son of N. Richardson. Pock coming out, trembling, 
doing well. Three child, of Js. White, doing well one very weak. 
Returned to Cambridge, took my charge & with a duU fettM 
reached Salem at nine in the evening. Rev- Forbes lost his wife 
I observed the plaster had fallen from the north side of the monu- 
ment on Beacon Hill. Viewed the Canal on the sides of the new 
Road for the new Bridge on Inman's Marsh, Cambridge Barrell s 
House advanced to the second story, upon Letchmores point & 
Coble hill. A new hay market on the front of the Common at 
Greenleaf's corner. North School finishing in brick, in the place 
where the other two Schools stood. The foundation laid for en- 
larging the Universal Meeting House on Bennet Street. Heard 
the new Bell in the North Brick Meeting House, the same which 
was casting in Boston on my last visit. The sound is not clear & 
prolonged, from the lips to the crown shrilh Saw upon my return 
L celebrated monied man of Newbury Port. He accosted me 
without knowing me at the public House, Lynn. "Sir, you are 
from Salem then. My name is Timothy Dexter who wrote the 
pieces you saw in the Centinel, & I am in again today, but I have 
learnt better this week, I have not put my name, I have put New- 
bury port the 17 th , you will know it, I a'nt afraid of them, they 
S P see/'-& then marched out of the room. This man has ; se- 
cured many thousand pounds by speculations m the funds & paper 

m °r53 y i 20 Children of Watson, Stone, Boardman, Richardson 
&c. gone on for inoculation. This evening for the first time had 



396 DIAEY OF [1792 

fire in the Study. M rs Very died of a complication of ills, having 
been from early life subject to dropsical complaints. We have 
news from the East Indies from the Ship Astrea, Gibaut. 

21. M r Igout* went on board Capt Endicot to go for Martinico. 
The question has been much agitated, what success have they in 
Boston for Inoculation. Say some upon the testimony of the Se- 
lectmen, only thirty lost, all agree it falls hardest upon children. 
Others say one in an hundred, twenty, ten, &c. of a night. Not 
even an alarm in this quarter yet. Conversation upon the Small 
pox. 

22. Yesterday one of our Frenchmen disposed to gallant the 
Ladies, but unacquainted with a gay horse, overturned the chaise 
& broke the arm of a Lady who was with him in the Chaise. Such 
an event may overturn the little plans of social pleasures which 
have been of late more usual in this Town, than ever. A Saturday 
funeral very large. This is uncommon. 

Sept. 23. Sunday. Notes. Mary Crowninshield, d. of Daughter 
Very, & Sons at Sea. Martha Gale, d. of Sister Very & friends at 
Sea. Anne Foot, d. of Sister Very, husband & brethren at Sea. 
Mansfield Burrill, d. of Sister, & p. for absent friends. Jude 
Jeffrey, prayers on d. of G. Mother Jeffry, & brethren at Sea. 
Three consumptive cases, two young, one adult, long confined, all 
females, now depending. 

24. Went for Boston in the Stage and arrived at noon. Went 
to White's at the Franklin's Head, & for the first time saw his 
Book Store & purchased Haller's Physiology in two Volumes for 
fifteen shillings, from thence to Guild's, &c. Intending to take 
passage in the Stage for Koxbury & Brooklyne, but the Stage going 
at noon, I came by wrong information an hour too late upon the 
Stand. I after several trials made a comfortable walk to the 
Brooklyne Hospital to see my friends, & from thence to Cambridge. 
The Causey was so low, & the Tide full, that I was obliged to ford 
it. I dined at Baker's, Brooklyne, & the accomodations by no 
means agreed with the boast of the Bostonians of their enjoyment 
at the " Punch Bowl." I spent the evening with Judge Winthrop 
& we had the company of Tutor Bradford, a very amiable man. 
[54] In the morning I visited his Study, & the Library of the old 
Professor. 

25. After breakfast, where I drank Tea, at the Widow Hilliard's 
where Judge Winthrop diets, we went into the University Library, 
which is receiving valuable tho' not rapid & great additions. In 
M r Kipley's Sermon at Concord this year upon repairing the meet- 
ing house he asserts, that for thirteen years past, the deaths upon 
an average annually do not exceed 17, or 18, & that there are now 
living in the Town seventy five persons above seventy years of age. 
Number of inhabitants, 1590. His baptisms are in fourteen years 

•Elsewhere Egout. 



1792] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 397 

400, about three fourths of the Births. Keturned to Boston, & 
found very dangerously ill the Son of Capt John Collins, but we 
were not without hopes. I visited all my parishioners under inoc- 
ulation, went over Beacon hill, visited Austin's Kope walk, tben 
Smith's, Winthrop's & Jeffry's, the three in a range, came over the 
Mill Causeway which is in fine repair, visited the Chocolate mills, 
Grist mills, & Saw mills, visited my relatives, & dined with M r 
Freeman. Paid to him the sum of five dollars my subscription 
towards the Unitarian Society in Portland, now supplied by M r Ox- 
nard. I conferred upon my return with Master Watson, whether I 
had not a right to bestow the four pounds raised by the brief, as I 
was a principal Contributor, upon this Society, as it was solicited by 
me, & trusted in my hands, & no other Society had joined in the 
Contribution, nor do I know in the County anyone. He was of 
opinion that under these circumstances I had right [55], especially 
as several respectable members of the society did object to the pro- 
posed form of the Charity in the Brief. 

26. The reports respecting the number of persons dying by In- 
oculation were ascertained by me in the following manner. The 
Selectmen say 61 were reproted, name, age, street, &c. on Saturday 
morning last, the Sextons being obliged to report all persons buried 
on the next morning. The same accounts transmitted to the Gov- 
ernor. The Clergy at their last meeting compared the several 
losses they had respectively sustained, & found an agreement. 
The Sextons questioned abroad, report a number corresponding to 
the accounts the clergy gave from their own observations in their 
pastoral visits. The hospitals occasionally opened in Roxbury, 
Brooklyne, Cambridge, Newton, &c. give a yet smaller number in 
proportion, & in these there would be no special advantages as in 
the long established Hospital of D r Aspinwall at Brooklyne in 
which there was no loss. The conclusion then is safe that the 
whole number or nearly is faithfully ascertained. The danger is 
not principally over from the inoculation alone. The question 
whether it was more severe in its form than in 1777, which I doubt. 
As we lost two out of seven in our own family & the subjects were 
as full of eruptions as the present time, from my own distinct rec- 
ollection. I can add a presumption which in my own mind con- 
firms the above report of the number of sufferers. That from my 
general acquaintance in the Town, & repeated visits to every part 
of it, I cannot obtain the names of four persons including children, 
known to me, who have died. The much better success in Hospi- 
tals, which cannot be questioned, than in Towns, has given the 
balance much in their favour, as they have been managed on this 
occasion. As all the Practising Physicians whether eminent or not 
have been successful in the Hospitals near Boston, but the most em- 
inent Physicians being equal sufferers in their patients in Boston, 
& three have lost of their own children, the presumption is, much 



898 DIARY OF [1792 

depends on situation. The Brooklyne Hospital surrounded by 
groves, & walks has lost none. But the air tho important & the 
exercise are not the only circumstances. They are out of the way 
of temptation to indulge in any form. The design of their situa- 
tion is every moment pointed out to them, the objects which form 
Temptations are removed, & the comparison throughout is happy. 

[56] 28. Every day there is more evidence that the mortality 
has not been very great in Boston from the Small Pox. One Phy- 
sician from the Country amidst 200 patients, lost none. The sub- 
jects continue to go on to Brooklyne. Several Families have gone 
forward this day. 

29. The Town of Salem has been severely censured on all hands 
for the freedom with which it has avowed its political reasons for 
preventing the spread of the small pox among its inhabitants, es- 
pecially as it has been attended with none of the consequences 
which were anticipated with an unbecoming eagerness. 

Sept. 30. Sunday. Notes. Jon a Mason jun r , returned, death of 
his wife. Lydia Beadle, continuing very low & sons at Sea. Three 
consumptive cases near a termination, all females. Ca3e of a third 
relapse after West India sickness. Many under Inoculation abroad, 
none in danger. 

October 1. Conversation in regard to military arrangements. 
The Parish has a suit against Capt Forrester for refusal to pay Di- 
man's Taxes. His plea is, that he bought a house belonging to an 
Episcopalian, & so not subject to Taxes. It is carried up to the 
Superior Court. The Clerks of the Market have fined a Baker, for 
light bread, but were unprepared with evidence. Again in the Law 
the Bakers entered a petition to the General Court in Boston, with- 
out Success. 

[58] 4. Went in a sulkey for Brooklyne & visited the Hospital, 
saw several persons of different ages inoculated. The success has 
been great. Upon my return I visited M r Brattle's Gardens, &c. 
at Cambridge. We first saw the fountain & canal opposite to his 
House, & the walk on the side of another canal in the road, flow- 
ing under an arch & in the direction of the outer fence. There is 
another canal which communicates with a beautiful pool in the park 
& place for his wild fowl. The garden is laid out upon a very con- 
siderable descent & formed with terrace walks, abounding with 
Trees, fruits, & the whole luxury of vegetation, & is unrivaled by 
any thing I have seen of the kind. The poultry was excellent & 
numerous. The parterres in fine order in the Garden. The Rabbit 
house had above fifty in it. The dairy room was the neatest I 
ever beheld. It was in stone & on the sides surrounded with a 
beautiful white dutch tile, in the excess of neatness. The Reposi- 
tories for the several fruits were in fine order, the barns, yards, & 
all agreed with the same good order, &c. We visited the public 
rooms, & returned to Salem. Arrived at nine in the evening, after 



1792] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 399 

having taken four Smoakings in Cambridge, Brooklyne, Medford, 
& Salem. 

5. The excise on spirituous Liquors has been so heavy, that 
much fraud has ensued, & for the first time we see the President's 
PROCLAMATION forbidding all such fraudulent attempts upon 
the rigour of Law. 

6. There are high encomiums upon the American Duck Manu- 
factures by persons who have used them for long voyages. There 
is a new process by patent for making Potash. 

Oct. 7. Sunday. Notes. Philip English & Children for death 
of his Son Joseph. Hannah Keene & Children, d. of her youngest 
child & Husband at Sea. Richard Deighton for himself dangerous- 
ly sick. [59] James Collins & wife for her delivery. Abijah 
Hitchins & wife for her delivery. Lydia Beadle, near unto death. 
List, one adult female near d. in Consumption ; one young female 
near d. in Consumption ; one young female near d. in Atrophy & 
Consumption ; one young man in fourth relapse of W. India Flux ; 
one adult near d. in W. India flux ; one in B. Hospital, female, full 
with Small Pox. p 

8. After preparing an hint for the arrival of Columbus, I waited 
upon the several Schools at the invitation of the School Committee. 
In the East we found about fifty Boys, all young. In the Grammar 
School three english readers & about seven Latin Scholars. In the 
Center, one hundred Boys, in decent order. In the West, about 
eighty Boys from the several ages. Their reading was about the 
same, nothing remarkable. Their writing was incomparably best 
in the West School, & better in the Center than in the East School. 
Their spelling being in the Scotch Method, ill understood, & intro- 
duced by mistake, was very poor indeed. In the West School I 
purchased of one of the youths named GEORGE CLEVELAND a 
writing Book partly finished, by the promise of a blank Book of 
paper of the same quality. We finished in Two Hours our Review. 
Dissatisfied with the present method we thought best to propose 
subdivisions in the committee, assistance, & such occasional visits 
as would give us the true state of the Schools, & enable us to apply 
advice as the cases of the several youth might require. 

9 The Gazette furnished to the electors of Essex a most bitter 
invective against the republican party & an exalted encomium 
against the present administration. Parties run high. Our associ- 
ation met at M r Prince's this day, & we enjoyed part of the evening 
together The Parson at Lvnn since his degradation has been busy 
with a bound servant in his" Father in Law's family, & the girl has 
confessed her condition & the cause. She has been sent to Phila- 
delphia with a negro man, but has returned to Boston, & both are 
in the charge of the Overseers. Reports from the late examination 
or Census at Boston are that 9,200 were inoculated, & that after 
inoculation, & by the Smallpox, died 193 persons, chiefly children. 



400 DIARY OF [1792 

When Boylstone inoculated first in America in the hot way he lost 
one in 45. 

[60] 11. Apprehensions that a person in the Parish has the 
Small Pox. Apprehensions in regard to another of our female 
friends under inoculation. An advertisement at the corners of the 
Street from the Selectmen offering 50 dollars for apprehending the 
person who has repeatedly set fire to the most Westerly house in 
Town belonging to a family of Pickering. The design is supposed 
to be revenge for a late partition of the estate. A like attempt was 
made some time since upon the property of Capt John White in the 
easterly part of the Town. In Pickering's house were thirteen per- 
sons, & all females excepting a bedridden man. 

12. The Town met this day to consider again the Subject of In- 
oculation. The purpose of introducing it without any limits into 
the Town was rejected. To open the Hospital was the object. As 
the building was in dispute, it was agreed on all hands that this 
controversy should be waved. It was said that the Town had every 
reason to fear that some persons would be seized in the natural way, 
that there was no place to which such persons could be conveyed, 
that the expence was greatly increased in regard to such persons as 
were carried at a distance, & their return in no degree more safe 
than from the Hospital. Without any arguments against the pro- 
posal it obtained to open the Hospital under such regulations as the 
Selectmen, with a Committee appointed for the purpose, should pro- 
pose, for such persons as would defray their own expences, & this 
not but by the permission of the Town, which had no claims upon 
the Hospital. The Committee of five persons, such as Major J° 
Saunders, Major Harthorne, Capt John Derby, Capt J° Buffington, 
& Jon a Hodges. 

13. Last night was a plentiful rain, attended with a heavy wind. 
The old rope walk in the east end of the Town was blown down. 
Part of the old house of Webb, which stands on the point below 
Daniel's Lane, & part of an old house belong g to the Sleumans in 
Southfield. The wreck of a Coaster belonging to Marblehead came 
ashore on West Beach, Eagle Island, & all perished. Capt S. In- 
gersoll of Beverly lost Vessel & cargo upon Cape Ann, his crew 
saved. There are various other reports, & no doubt some of them 
are true, respecting the distruction on the Coast. 

[62.] This day it was ascertained that Cooke, a young man, 
Becket, a widow woman, in the East Parish of Salem, had taken 
the Small Pox. I visited the Hospital & found that new injuries 
had been offered, by which the Windows & Doors were demolished. 
The Glaziers were upon the spot hastening repairs. A lad named 
Upton broke out in Danvers, & another in Beverly. Cooke was car- 
ried up this day. 

Oct. 14. Sunday. Preached in Danvers for the Belict of Eev d 
Holt, M r Harris in forenoon. Notes. Hannah Hodges, d. of eld- 



1792] REV. WILLIAM BENTLET 401 

est daughter, Husband & Brethren at Sea. Mathew Vincent, 
thanks for delivery of Wife in critical case & p. from d. of the 
child. Mary Knight, apprehended near to Death & Brother at 
Sea. 

15. To shew the management of the SMALL POX in Salem, 
1773, the following is a list of the persons received at the Pest 
House. The names of the persons who had the Small Pox at the 
Salem Pest House. A. D. 1773. This is given in the handwriting of 
Master John Watson. 

They, who survived the disorder, were : M rs Welman, Widow. 
M rs Palfrey, Widow. M rs Chipman. M rs Thomas. Anstis Chee- 
ver. Sarah Brown. Margaret Swasey. Samuel Knap. Jonathan 
Palfrey. Gale, a Child of Benj a . Samuel Townsend. Swan, a 
Child. Townsend, a Child. Titus, a negro man. Katty, a negro 
woman. 

They who died were : M r Jonathan Lambert. Samuel Barton. 
William Farefield. William King. Lambert, Wife of Joseph. 
Webb, Wife of Stephen. Townsend, Wife of Moses. Ramsdall, 
Wife of William. Gale, Wife of Benj a . Welman, Wife of Adam. 
Richard Palfrey. Clough, Widow. Margaret Byrne. Lambert, 
Wife of Jonathan. Mary Byrne, Widow. Hannah Stone. Han- 
nah Cooke, Wife of Charles. John Ward. Elizabeth Pry. Eliz- 
abeth Ward. Louis, a Negro man. 

By this list the whole number was of 36 persons. 22 females, 
11 males, & 3 children. That 21 out of the thirty-six died. That 
double the number of women died , as double was in the list, but all 
the children survived excepting one, Marg. Byrne. [63.] On that 
occasion there was a great alarm. The removal to the Pest House 
was next to death, & the mortality, raged in the ratio of the fears of 
the several patients. 

16. Yesterday M r8 Becket, Cooke & Wife & two children grown, 
& two small children of James Chever were carried to the Hospit- 
al for inoculation. I was present afterwards. Young Cook inocu- 
lated being in doubt of his case. M rs Becket's case the only one 
beyond doubt & she not inoculated. A M r8 Southward in Union 
Lane taken with S. Pox natural way. Great exertions at the Hos- 
pital to prepare for Thursday. 

17. The following is the List of persons entering the Pest House 
on the Neck with M rs Southward for inoculation : 

Ann Banks, aged 33 years. Abigail Southward, set. 32. 

Polly Radix, set. 18. Rachel Safford, set. 15. 

John Smith, set. 16. George Southward, set. 14. 

Sally Southward, set. 12. Lydia Southward, set. 8. 

John Southward, set. 6. William Southward, set. 4. 

William Southward, set. 3. Jon a R. Southward, 10 months. 

Polly Southward, 11 months. Hannah Southward, W. of Wil- 
liam, by natural way. 



402 DIARY OF [1792 

18. M r Watson informs from D. Aspinwall that he had inocu- 
lated between 12 & 13 hundred of his Hospital, & about 4 or 5 
hundred at other places since 20 July 1788. Visited the Hospital 
at noon, at the time of admission of the Class.* Two small build- 
ings are erecting upon the square of the Hospital & there is a great 
concourse. Many refused, & disappointed. Another person has 
broken out with the Small Pox near the east meeting, S. Valpy, a 
lad of ten years. Attempts were made to introduce a young Lady 
from Newbury Port, but they were unsuccessful at the Hospital. 
Eight of my Society were in before the class with patients the natu- 
ral way, & I found twenty four in the first class already. 

19. This morning went early to Perkins, on Derby's Neck Farm, 
to secure a place for Capt. B. Hodges' Children, after the following 
difficulties were removed. The Landlord had consented, the whole 
family had consented to be inoculated, the Town had voted leave, 
& the number encouraged to hope would admit more of them. Had 
a Town meeting to make more extensive provision for the Inocula- 
tion. M r Webb at the Fort was violent against the assignation of 
the Fort. M r Perkins at Derby's Farm spake that nothing but com- 
pulsion should oblige him to it. The Town voted to assist the bar- 
racks in the New Fort, & chose Capts. Allen, B. Ward, & J. Ma- 
son sen. as a Committee to consult with Selectmen, & Determine 
on regulations. [64] They then licenced inoculation at Metcalf's 
in the G. Pasture, at Castle Hill, & Col. Pickman's & chose a Com- 
mittee of five persons in the same manner to inspect, &c. vizt., John 
Norris, J. Treadwell, Deacon Holman, Deacon Saunderson, & Nath: 
Ropes. At the Hospital it was an order of the day to admit none 
but for special reasons within the walls, & as I had no special call, 
I took the hint to keep away. The Barracks in the new fort are 
almost beyond cleansing. Eb. Gay, a Preacher & late Tutor of Yale 
College, spent the night with me. 

20. The Committees have proceeded with success in designating 
homes for the Small Pox, but the rage is either gratified, or abated 
by the numerous assignations. Upon the breaking out of a single 
person all is in alarm, then it subsides. A State of danger, & with- 
out a remedy, as men regard the means of safety only for a moment. 
Went to the funeral of the Rev* E. Smith of Middlet : Had an en- 
counter de colligendis inpratis corymbis mense pretento apud. Dan- 
versien: The procession was respectable. The Pall holders were 
Rev d Symmes, Holyoke, Stone, French, Prentiss, & Wads worth. 
Symmes prayed & Holyoke preached. The two famous masters of 
Music, Kimball & Holyoke, lead the choir on this occasion. On my 
return I found Gen. Fiske had lost his daughter Peggy. Danvers 
voted to inoculate at the discretion of the Selectmen, but alarmed 
at the licence, they have ordered another Town meeting. The inoc- 
ulation has begun in that Town & Beverly. 

*3*a Essex Institute Hist. Colls. Vol. XXXV. p. 304. 



1792] REV. WILLIAM BENTLET 403 

Oct. 21. Sunday. Notes. Lydia Beadle with her brethren on 
death of their Mother & a brother at Sea. Susannah Beadle, d. of 
Sister L. Beadle. Besides the persons under Small Pox, one young 
woman in Consumption. The Congregation thinner than ever I 
knew it. Weather rainy, & the Small Pox interesting every person. 
Two persons have the Small Pox the natural way in the western 
part of the Town, a Goodell, & an Ebones. Hitherto the sufferers 
have been of that class least exposed, excepting young Cooke. 

22. This morning I employed in making preparations for the 
reception of a kind family at Derby's Neck farm-house. For which 
I had the most vile treatment from a poor wretch, who was disap- 
pointed in all his measures to obtain a place, endeavouring to in- 
trude strangers into Inoculation Houses. I keep the minutes of 
such events, as they serve to contrast my most virtuous conduct 
with the treatment it may produce. _ 

[65] 23. At the Town meeting, after an invective in the Ga- 
zette against the General Inoculation, the Town with a few against 
it, only three hands being held up, rejected the proposal for an In- 
oculation through the Town. The small opposition quieted a most 
sudden rage in the minds of the people. G. Fiske's daughter Peggy 
buried this afternoon with every mark of respect. 

24. This day the Inoculation is to be made upon the Neck at 
New Fort, Derby's Farm, & the Old Fort, and on board a Sloop ly- 
ing at Winter Island wharf, besides many other places in the west- 
ern parts of the Town. 

25. The number of persons inoculated yesterday was 108 on tne 
Neck, at Derby Farm House 47, Old Fort on Winter Island 27, New 
Fort on Neck Hill 30, in Wyatt's Sloop at Winter Island Wharf 4. 
At the Great Pasture hospital, 251 patients. Visited Castle hill, 
which with the adjoining house receives many patients. 

26. Visited M rB Southward, a dangerous patient in the Pest 
House. She died, & her child. Two out of five in the natural way 
within the limits of East Parish. Weather moderate, & symptoms 
high at the Great Hospital. Three examples of Convulsions in 
children. „ „ _ .. 

[66] 27. A black boy broke out with the Small Pox the natu- 
ral way. The inoculation has a favourable appearance everywhere. 
A competition between the Joseph of Boston & the Sally of Salem 
as fast sailors, being fruit Vessels in the Straits. 

Oct. 28. Sunday. Notes. Jn° Fiske & family, d. of daughter, 
& friends at Sea. Sarah Knight, d. of daughter, & two sons at Sea. 
Elisha Harrington, death of the above M. K. an intended Wife, & 
parents in the Country. No critical case at home, many under In- 
oculation. Valpy, a boy of 10 years, died with S. Pox in the nat- 
ural way. A- woman named Hare broke out the natural way, & was 
carried to the Great Hospital. 

29. The mother of Valpy, tho' formerly inoculated, & had the 



404 DIAEY OF [1792 

S. Pox very full upon her, is broken out again, with a full pock from 
frequent contact with the Spoon, & body. Appearances favourable 
in general. A young man named Bart. Goodale died this evening. 
His case was a costive habit & the impossibility of forcing out the 
Pock, by the most fiery spirits internally, & a warm bath external- 
ly. There is a critical case of a child of Capt. Story with a bad arm. 

[68] 31. State of Inoculation, G. Hospital 253, Metcalf 30, 
Castle Hill 59, Pickman's 65. On the Neck, New Fort, see Oct. 25. 
Visited all in turn, found appearances in general good, & was pres- 
ent when they fired their evening gun at Castle Hill, & marched 
single file around the Hill. They saluted us with three cheers 
which we returned in due form. 

November 1. Died at the Pest House the Negro mentioned Oct. 
27, aet. 25-30. Storer's child, aet. 6, dead from mortification in the 
incision, &c. Mr Melece with me, & brought a friend from Martinico 
with M r Mackey with compliments from S' Marie. Melece intends 
boarding with us. 

2. Last night, Child of Capt B. Cox under Inoculation in G. Hos- 
pital, aet. 11. The male parent is not living. Rode to Beverley & 
visited Rev d McKeen under inoculation, eighth day, no symptoms. 
Visited also Woodberry's Point. Eleven Houses appropriated for 
inoculation. Found the number of Patients at Woodberry's Point 
exceeding 200, at Hovey's, West Beach, near the forts 30, at Thorn- 
dike's Farm House, upper Parish, 40 & at Warren's House, 1/2 mile 
from the upper meeting House, 30. M r M c Keen tells me that from 
the Point on West Beach below Hovey's, measured on the ice, M r 
Hovey says was one mile to the Misery Island. That by observa- 
tion & his own method of taking the distance, it is 2 miles & 40 
roods from the lower redoubt point, the upper end of west beach to 
Baker's Island Beacon. 

3. Our Hospitals in a very fair way, & in good spirits. On last 
evening during the misty weather was perceived a stench like high 
putrefaction. It rendered the houses in the center of the Town 
very uncomfortable, was observed at the Great Office, Robertson's 
& Buffington's Houses of entertainment & as far as south mill bridge. 
The flatts were not covered with water as it was half tide, the cause 
is yet unexplored, probably flats. 

Nov. 4. Sunday. Notes. John Watson & Wife, d. of her 
father & absent friends. Rebecca Brown, d. of her father, & for 
absent friends. Mary Ashby, d. of her father & husband absent. 
Benj a Dean, returned from Sea, & d. of eldest son. Polly Gayton, 
d. of her brother Bart : Goodale by inoculation & for friends at Sea. 
Frank Tolbert, African, and wife, d. of Son by S. Pox natural way, 
& Son at Sea. 

[69] 5. The Small Pox yet engages the public attention. Bruce 
tells us that it first made its appearance at the siege of Mecca, 
about 365, & that probably the Abyssinian army was the first vie- 



1792] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 405 

tim to it. In the late Storm a vessel drove ashore upon Strait's 
mouth Island, near Thatchers Island, Cape Ann. It seems the 
crew had taken to the boat, as nothing was left in the Cabin & boat 
not found. A Sloop of 60 Tons with Cyder, Hay, & Indian Corn. 

6. On board Capt Patterson, died a young man, aet. 27, Richard 
Collins, & he was buried from the Captain's house with all decency, 
& accompanied by the Captain & Family, the Owners, & neighbours 
of both sexes & carried by his young Companions. Small Pox en- 
gages the public attention so that we could collect only four of our 
members at the Lodge. The Patients are cleansing for their return. 

7. Several out from the Great Hospital, in all 60 persons & 
more to be dismissed on the morrow. Every where favourable ap- 
pearances, except in a Child of C. B. Hodges, Polly, aet. 5, purple 
appearances upon & beneath the foot. She has had a good arm, 
free physic, good appetite, no complaint, but no symptoms or erup- 
tions, excepting three below the incision on the arm, since the bath 
for the foot, which may prove the small Pox. 

8. Our friends returning from the Small Pox. Gave advice for 
the calling in D r Holyoke for Hodges' child, but it was not approved. 

9. Capt. Hosmer has arrived from Martinico. A violent rain 
through the day. , 

10. Saturday. D r Parker, overplied by the duties of the Hos- 
pital, died last Thursday night of a Fever. He was deranged be- 
fore he renounced his employment. He was after me two years in 
standing at Cambridge. While the College was at Concord he 
lived near me. He was a pupil in his professional studies with D r 
Holyoke. Made slow advances in Salem, from manners which did 
not tend to enhance the public value of his abilities. He was now 
exerting successfully his abilities for the public favour, & was the 
victim of his ambition. He has left two children & a Wife, just 
as his prospect was opening. He was about 33 years of age. 

[70] Nov. 11. Sunday. Notes. Martha Babbidge & Chil- 
dren, d. of her Husband. Susannah Babbidge & Daughter, d. of 
her only Son. Joanna Silsbee, d. of her Son in Law Babbidge. 
Christopher Babbidge & wife, d. of his father. Mansfield Burrill 
& Wife, d. of his brother in Law. Sarah Silsbee, d. of her Broth- 
er in Law Babbidge. 

12. Last Saturday evening in preparing the Cistern at the West- 
emend the dirt caved in, & put an end to the existence of a man 
belonging to Northfields, who was at work upon the Timber below. 
The first time a written invitation to a Funeral, as a Compliment. 

13. Supreme Court Sitting here. The Probate adjourned on ac- 
count of the Small Pox. Took the liberty of giving an hint to the 
Layman for the inconclusive reasoning of the last Gazette. As it 
is supposed to be a nettlesome fellow we may have a spat. D r 
Parker's funeral this evening. This day the first patients left the 
neck, & amidst all the variety of age we have had no loss. Fifty 



406 DIARY OF [1792 

come up this day. The only deduction from our pleasures is on ac- 
count of several whose symptoms have come on in a natural way. 
They are young, & nothing alarming yet appears. This evening 
died at Castle Hill, Ruth Chever, daughter of Benjamin. She was 
by a former wife. Being betrayed by a young man, who has left 
her, she was three months gone in child bearing. Under these cir- 
cumstances, which are greatly aggravated by public report, the fate 
was long anticipated, with all the passions which might be expect- 
ed from a death so melancholy & so public. The most ungener- 
ous imputations on the mother in law, the most severe upon young 
Swan, & the most cruel upon the girl, are reckoned as causes in the 
present case. We may however abate the fury of resentment, 
when we consider the desperate, &c. of young women. Nigra petit, 
rubra dat. alba recusat. 

14. Was launched, a Ship at Brigg's Shipyard, Southfields, op- 
posite the Wharves at Stage point, burden 160 Tons with Masts, 
topmasts & yards in. She made a fine appearance, & was launched 
with the best success. Baker's Island, in Salem Harbour, is adver- 
tised for sale, said to contain fifty-eight acres & ninety three poles. 

[71] 15. Applications making by Capt Becket & others for a 
new class upon the Neck under Little, the Physician.* Various re- 
ports about France, which agitate the public opinion. 

16. Capt White of Machias has sent his Vessel for sale, freight, 
or charter, as the Lumber voyages of that port do not support her, 
so many British apply at the port, & trade to the greater advantage 
of the inhabitants. 

The Bridge over the Merrimack, above Newbury at Carr's Island, 
is to be opened next Week. 

17. The Small Pox in its present course has in general been 
very mild, but in all instances in which a good arm has been trust- 
ed it has been deceitful. Capt Wyatt, had a good arm, highly in- 
flamed, &c. from the time of the incision till this day above three 
weeks, & trusting to it he took a certificate & left the doctor, but 
has now returned with the Small Pox. Henry Archer in the same 
Sloop & condition is pronounced to have the Symptoms. M r French 
had no arm inflamed, &c. no postules, but till the third inoculation. 
Yesterday he thought he had eruptions, but they disappear this 
day. The Governer has desired the Court to take some measures 
to regulate Stage Coaches in Boston & its vicinity. The affrontery 
of the Drivers has rendered it necessary. 

[72] Nov. 18. Sunday. Notes. Margaret Nourse & chil- 
dren for Husband deprived of his reason. Richard Valpy jun r 
thanks for return from his Voyage & p. on d. of his eldest Son by 
Small Pox. We had an alarm in our neighbourhood, by the break- 
ing out of the Small Pox, the subject being an active young wo- 
man, seven months gone in child bearing. The family, ten in num- 

•See Essex Institute Hist. Colls. Vol. IV. p. 83 



1792] 



REV. "WILLIAM BENTLEY 



407 



ber, have gone to the Hospital. Mrs. Judith Welman. The Follow- 
ing is a List of such persons as have belonged to the Society, of 
■which I am Pastor, with such facts as were within my own know- 
ledge. 

State of the Inoculation for the Small Pox in regard to persons 
belonging to the East Religious Society, Salem, in the Autumn of 
1792. [73] Persons, who went abroad for Inoculation between 
September 3 d & October 12. 



Name 


Age 


Physician 


Place 


Success 


Johnson Briggs, 


16-18 Hart of Reading 


Boston 


Moderately 


Briggs, Jeremiah, 


14-16 








Few. 


Briggs, Samuel 


12-16 








Few. 


Briggs, John, 


10-12 








Few. 


Collins, John, 


10-12 








very severely, danger. 


Ingersoll, Eben: 


10-12 








very favourably . 


Ingersoll, Susan: 


8-10 








very favourably. 


Manning, W m . 


12-14 


Warren 





favourably. 


Richardson, Jesse, 


14-16 


Hart 





full. 


White, Joseph, 


12-14 


Warren 





moderately. 


White, Isaac, 


10-12 


Rand 





moderately. 


White, Nath. 


6-8 








not many, debilitated. 


White, Deborah, 


8-10 








few. 


Board man, Mary, 


12-14 


Aspinwall 


Brooklyne moderately. 


Boardman, Eliza, 


10-12 








mod. 


Boardman, Francis 


, 8-10 








few. 


Boardman, Sarah, 


6-8 








considerably full. 


Briggs, Ruth, 


16-18 








mod. 


Carle ton, W^. 


20-23 








very few. 


Dodge, Eunice, 


12-16 








few. 


Andrew, Hannah, 


10-12 








few. 


Hovey, Amos, 


30-35 








full. 


Perry, Hezekiah, 


20-24 








favourably. 


Richardson, Eunice, 12-14 








v. few after repeated 










inocul. 


Richardson, Israel 


, 10-12 








few. 


Richardson, W m . 


8-10 








few. 


Stone, Robert, 


14-16 








few. 


Stone, Sarah, 


16-18 








few. 


Stone, Anstis, 


12-14 








few. 


Stone, Benja 


10-12 








few. 


Stone, Betsey, 


6-8 








full. 


Stone, Hannah, 


3-6 








quite full. 


Watson, Abraham, 


14-16 








considerably. 


Watson, Abigail, 


16-18 








full, & in great danger 


Watson, John, 


10-12 








moderately. 



36 persons, 14 females, 21 males. 



408 



DIARY OF 



[1792 



[74] Persons, who received the SMALL POX by Inoculation in 
the Hospital, Great Pasture, October 18, 1792. Great Hospital 
under Osgood & Parker, Physicians. 



Name 


Age 


Success 


Return 


Archer, Samuel, 


24 


favourably. 


ret. Nov. 7. 


Andrew, Nath. 


14 


fav. 


Nov. 8. 


Bowditch, Nath. 


19 


full. 


Nov. 11. 


Browne, Hannah, 


20 


favourable. 


Nov. 8. 


Browne, Sally, 


18 


few. 


Nov. 9. 


Browne, Eunice, 


14 


few. 


Nov. 9. 


Buxton, Phoebe, 


18 


favourable. 


Nov. 8. 


Cooke, William, 


40 


fav. 


Nov. 9. 


Cooke, Rebecca, 


45 


fav. 


Nov. 7. 


Cooke, Elizabeth, 


42 


fav. 


Nov. 7. 


Cooke, Catharine, 


15 


full. 


Nov. 11. 


Chever, Sarah, 


13 


quite full. 


Nov. 8. 


Chever, Ruth, 


9 


moderately. 


Nov. 8. 


Chever, Samuel, 


20 


full. 


Nov. 9. 


Chever, Sarah, 


18 


moderately. 


Nov. 8. 


Chever, Margaret, 


15 


very few. 


Nov. 7. 


Clarke, Elizabeth, 


35 


few, high symptoms. Nov. 7. 


Burrill, William, 


25 


few. 


Nov. 7. 


Herrick, Lydia, 


22 


favourably. 


Nov. 8. 


Herrick, Mary, 


19 


favourably. 


Nov. 8. 


Hodges, Mary, 


9 


few. 


Nov. 7. 


Hodges, Gamaliel, 


5 


few. 


Nov. 7. 


Maley, Benjamin, 


H 


few, symptoms 


high, 






convulsions. Nov. 7. 


Mason, Jonathan, 


8 


few, sick with fever Nov. 5. 


Mason, Elizabeth, 


12 


few. 


Nov. 7. 


Mason, Mary, 


5 


few. 


Nov. 7. 


Rantolph, Robert, 


13 


full, not heavy. 


Nov. 9. 


Rantolph, Samuel, 


11 


moderately. 


Nov. 9. 


Rhodes, Elizabeth, 


27 


fav. 


Nov. 8. 


Ring, Seth, 


19 


full. 


Nov. 10. 


Saunders, Susannah, 


8 


few. 


Nov. 7. 


Webb, Priscilla, 


15 


very few, 


Nov. 7. 


Ward, Andrew, 


23 


full, not heavy. 


Nov. 7. 


33, 13 males, 20 females. 








[75] Persons who received the Small Pox in the natural way. 


Name Age 


Physician 


Time 


Success 


Cooke, Wm. 16 Osgood & Parker. 


Hospital, Oct. 14 


. favourably, 








very, Nov. 7. 


Becket, Mary 30-40 




Hospital, Oct. 15 


. favourably, 










Nov. 7. 



1792] 



REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 



409 



Valpy, Samuel, 10 Paine. Pest House, Oct. 18. heavy, died 

Oct. 28. 

Beverley, James, 20 Negro. Paine. Pest House, Oct. 27. heavy, died 

Nov. 1. 



Inoculation on the Neck, Oct. 24, 1792. 
Neck Farm House. 



Age Physician Place 



At Perkins', Derby- 



10-12 

8-10 

2-4 

1-2 

30 

14 

30-40 

17 

6-8 

30-35 

6-8 

4-6 

7 

5 

3 

« 

12 

4-8 

16-20 

14-16 

14 

6-8 

11 females 



Paine 
Little 

Paine 



Little 



Paine 



Little 



Success <fc return. 

13. 
13. 
13. 
15. 
13. 
13. 
15. 
14. 



Name 

Allen, Lockart, 
Allen, Nancy, 
Allen, Betsey, 
Allen, Henry, 
Allen, Roger, Negro, 
Archer, Nath. 
Collins, Mary, 
Frank, Hannah, 
Frank, Joseph, 
French, Joshua, 
French, Joshua, 
French, Joseph, 
Hodges, Benja 
Hodges, John, 
Hodges, Mary, 
Hodges, Margaret, 
Hodges, Jack, Negro, 
Palfrey, Elizabeth, 
Vincent, Patty, 
Vincent, Sarah, 
Ward, Hannah, 
Wellman, Margaret, 
22. P. 11 males. 

[76] Persons inoculated in the Barracks at New Port, on the 
Neck, 24 Oct. 1792, Little, sole Physician. 



fav. ret. Nov. 

few, ret. Nov. 

favourable, ret. Nov, 

fav. ret. Nov, 

fav. full, ret. Nov. 

few, ret. Nov. 

few, high symp. ret. Nov. 
few, detained, ret. Nov. 
few, living in the house, 
singular case, 
fav. 

full, in the face, 
few, det. till Nov. 

few, broken out late Nov. 
few, sing. cap. late, Nov. 
favourable, Nov. 



few, 
few, 
few, 
few, 
very few, 



ret. Nov. 
ret. Nov. 
ret. Nov. 
ret. Nov. 
det. till Nov. 



21. 
21. 
21. 
21. 
13. 
13. 
13. 
13. 
21. 



few, entered late. 



Name 



Age 



Success 



Return 



Burrill, Joanna, 


20 


Bickford, Ester, 


23 


Berry, John, 


10 


Favre, le, Elizabeth, 


20 


Coombs, George, 


13 


Favre, Elizabeth, 


3 


King, Elizabeth, 


5 


King, William, 


3 


Marsh, Mary, 


20 


Murphy, David, 


22 



14. 



few, ret. Nov. 13 

few, ret. Nov. 13 

few, ret. Nov. 13 

few, detained by child, 
fav. ret. Nov 

broke out late, fav. 
few, ret. Nov. 13. 

few, ret. Nov. 13. 

few, ret. Nov. 13. 

very full, det. till Nov. 21. 



410 


DIARY OF 


[1792 


Parker, William, 


23 


fav. 


ret. Nov. 16 


Perkins, Thomas, 


20 


few, 


ret. Nov. 13, 


Preston, Joseph, 


12 


few, 


ret. Nov. 13 


Shehane, Stephen, 


12 


fav. 


ret. Nov. 14, 


Swasey, Mary, 


23 


fav. 


ret. Nov. 15. 


Swasey, Hannah, 


20 


fav. 


ret. Nov. 15, 


Swasey, John, 


12 


fav. 


ret. Nov. 13. 


Whittemore, James, 


24 


fav. detained, ret. Nov. 15, 


Eamsdall, Sarah, 


22 


few, 


ret. Nov. 13, 


19 P. 10 males. 9 females. 








Old Fort on Winter island, at Webb's, Little, sole Physician. 


Name 


Age 


Success 


Return 


Browne, Elizabeth, 


12 


few, 


det. Nov. 19. 


Brown, Jonathan, 


4 


few, 


det. Nov. 19, 


Clontman, Priscilla, 


29 


few, 


ret. Nov. 13, 


Crowninshield, Mary, 


14 


few, 


ret. Nov. 13. 


Crowninshield, Sarah, 


10 


few, 


ret. Nov. 13. 


Dean, Abigail, 


36 


few, 


ret. Nov. 14. 


Dean, Abigail, 


15 


few, 


ret. Nov. 14 


Elkins, Harriet. 


7 


few, 


ret. Nov. 13! 


[77] Gale, Martha, 


35 


few, symptoms high, ret. Nov. 13. 


Gale, Benja, 


6 


few, 


ret. Nov. 13. 


Maley, Eliza, 


24 


few, 


ret. Nov. 13. 


Murray, Mary, 


12 


few, 


ret. Nov. 13, 


Murray, Joseph, 


12 


few, 


ret. Nov. 14. 


Bowell, W«» 


12 


few, 


ret. Nov. 13. 


Webb, Stephen, 


68 


full, fainting, living at the fort. 


Webb, Deborah, 


24 


few, 


living at the fort. 


Webb, Joseph, 


20 


few, 


ret. Nov. 13. 


Welcome, Priscilla, 


16 


favor. 


living at the fort. 


Woodkind, Lydia, 


9 


few, 


ret. Nov. 13. 


19. P. 6 males. 13 females. 








Wyatt's Sloop, at Winter Island Wharf, Little, 


Physician. 


Name 


Age 


Success 


Return 


Wyatt, W">. 


62 


Sloop sal'd Nov. 13, returned. 








Nov. 15. see. 


Archer, John, 


58 


few. late, ret. 


from Fort, Nov. 17. 


Archer, James, 


29 


favourably, ret. 


from Fort, Nov. 17. 


Archer, Henry, 


21 


ret. Nov. 13, 


went back Nov. 17. 


4 males. 









Symond's Farm, Danvers, Osgood, Physician. 

Gill, Anna, 17-19 few, ret. Nov. 8. 

Gill, Sarah, 15-17 few, ret. Nov. 8. 

Phippen, Abigail, 10-12 good arm, ret. Nov. 8. 
3 females. 



1792] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 411 

At Castle Hill Houses, Paine, Physician. 

Archer, Sarah, 18-22 few, ret. Nov. 14. 

Archer, Lydia, 16-18 few, ret. Nov. 14. 

Archer, Hannah, 30-35 few, ret. Nov. 14. 

Chever, Benja, 18-20 few, ret. Nov. 14. 

Chever, Ruth, 16-18 full, with child, died Nov. 13, see 

Chever, Mary, 10-12 few, ret. Nov. 14. 

Patterson, Benja, 12-14 few, ret. Nov. 14. 

Patterson, Eliphalet, 10-12 few, ret. Nov. 14. 

5 females. 3 males. 

[78 At Col : Pickman's Farm. Oct. 29. 

Hill, Elizabeth, 25-28 Paine few, ret. Nov. 19. 

Hill, John, 3-4 few, ret. Nov. 19. 

In all 149, 75 females. 74 males. 

D* Paine gave me a list of all his Patients, Dec r 31, 1792, which 
liad the Small Pox in that year, amounting to 186, only one of 
■which died of Inoculation, & she was one of my society, of whom 
the D r observes, she said, She wished to die, her heart was broken. 
" A severe disease," says Fielding, " tho' not mentioned in the 
bills of mortality." D r Little gave me a list of all his Patients on 
the Neck of the second & last Class, amounting to 58 persons. 

[81] Facts noticed on the Neck below the Town of Salem. 

Nov. 1. First eruptions on the Neck, inoculation Oct. 24, no bad 
symptoms at noon, nor high, all complaining. In general appear 
to have received the Inoculation. 

2. Some doubts of individuals, whether they have received in- 
fection. M r French, &c. reinoculated. Symptoms increasing, some 
hi<*h, generally moderate, one fourth complaining. No aged persons, 
nor Negroes. As many male as female. Men most broken out. 

3. Generally complaining, eruptions gradual, some relieved from 
violence of the symptoms. 

4. No unfavourable Symptoms reported, nor on the nftn. 
6. Breaking out, all well, a few not out yet. 

7 All well, excepting purple spots on the foot of a child, 
above the Toes, & on both sides of the foot. The physic of this 
child, M. Hodges, has worked well, it has had no symptoms or 
eruptions, the appearance changed from deep purple to pale red, by 
baths & warm bath of the feet. 

8. All things favourable, the same on the ninth & tenth days. 

11. Friends returned, & preparing. 

12. All of this Society returned from G. Hospital. 

13 Leave to return from the Neck. Suspicions that two of M" 
Hodges children have taken it natural way. One of French's 
children broke out. Father & another child suspect symptoms. 
Le Favre's child broke out, & Miss Welman. 



412 diary op [1792 

14. Another of French's children broken out, his own incision 
third time looks favourable. One of M ri Hodges children broken out. 
The daughter mentioned on the 7 th , high symptoms, fever, purple 
cheeks, physic kind. 

15. Child, Nov. 7. broken out, symptoms continue. French's 
arm drying up, but swelling under the arm. 

26. Child, Nov. 7. Symptoms continue. French thinks he has 
several eruptions. 

Capt. Wyatt returned with his Sloop, having left on the 13 th 
from a good arm without complaint or eruption, & is now under the 
Small pox favourably. Henry Archer from the Sloop dismissed 
on 13 th returned with symptoms. 

[82] General facts. D r Parker was early taken off from an at- 
tendance at the G. Hospital by a fever, & D r Bernard supplied his- 
place after the first week. Nurse Shehane by a colic was obliged 
to withdraw from New Fort. Oct. 24. B. Goodale died in the G. 
Hospital at the time of the breaking out. State of the patient un- 
known to me, reported pock could not be brought out, spirits, wines, 
&c. hot baths used with success. Holyoke consulted. Storer's 
child of 6 years, a mortification, same advice & process at G. Hos- 
pital. M rs Southward relieved much 24 hours before death, pock 
turning at the Pest house, in the natural way. Her young child 
died before the pock was fully out, natural way. Valpy, aged 10 
years, full, comfortable till death, gone at once. Pest house, natur- 
al way. Negro James, obstinate, died while all asleep around him. 
Pest house, natural way. Nov 1 2. Child of Cox, set. 11, in G. 
Hospital, pock out, from Inoculation. Nov r 13. Ruth Chever,. 
under inoculation, 6 months with child, &c. &c. at Castle Hill. Nov r 
17. M™ Nichols, natural way, blooded, miscarried, died 

Facts recovery. Wm. Cooke, set. 18, not confined at all, natural 
way. G. Hospital. M rB Becket, set. 38, comfortable, natural way. 
G. Hospital. M rs Hare, favourable, with child, natural way. G. 
Hospital. M™ Goodale's child, favourable, natural way. G. Hos- 
pital. M rs Aborn, favourable, nat. way. Her own House. 

19. Committee of G : Hospital gave notice that they should at- 
tend on all who should apply to enter the G. Hospital under D r Os- 
good, this afternoon. A new Class enters this day at new fort, & 
one room was inoculated by D r Little. Attempts to sell Capt. 
Bates' House in the main Street. 

20. The weather cold, blustering & rainy, detained several at 
the Forts. In the evening had a pleasant interview with the Gen- 
tlemen of the Court, at D r Holyoke's. 

21. D r Little inoculated the greater part of his Class upon the neck 
this afternoon. There are many children & females at Perkins.' 
Spent part of the day going & coming from the G. Hospital on ac- 
count of M™ Welman, under the natural S. Pox, providing Nurse, 
&c. &c. My last friends are from the Neck this day from the first 



1792] REV. "WILLIAM BENTLEY 413 

class. About 37 in the G. Hospital this week under Inoculation. 
[83] 22. D r Little continues to add to his Class, & several 
were inoculated this day. Dined with the Court in company with 
the celebrated M r Parsons of Newbury Port. The most distin- 
guished lawyer of our Times. A Toast given by the Chief Judge 
was " Success to the French Revolution." The Supreme Court rise 
this afternoon. And to our honor no criminal case whatever has 
been heard at the Court during its being held in this Town this 
season. 

23. Last night a Brig in the Offing fired guns of distress, she 
was safe at anchor in the morning having only lost her rudder on 
Baker's Island breakers. She was towed above the Haste, & then 
before the wind came into port. She was commanded by Capt. Green, 
from the Baltic, & belonging to W. Orne of this Town. A daugh- 
ter of the widow Abigail Porter was pronounced by D r Holyoke to 
have taken the natural S. Pox, living in Daniel's Lane. 

24. A Heavy snow storm. Rode up to the G. Hospital to see 
my good friend M™ Judith Welman bid adieu to life under the nat- 
ural s. pox. She behaved with uncommon composure, & slept the 
last sleep with out a complaint. She was bred in the school of ad- 
versity, always chearful, agreable & innocent She had just entered 
upon married life, & was full of hopes. A worthy domestic woman. 
She died in the seventh month of her first pregnancy. 

Nov. 25. Sunday. This day Susannah, d. of Abigail Porter, 
Widow, was removed from Daniel's Lane to the G. Hospital. Also 
the Wife of Jonathan Masury in the other part of the Town. Fine 
day after the snow Storm, but a thin Congregation. 

26. We learn that the Negro sent to the Pest House, & the Boy 
from Capt Mason's house had not the natural small pox, but have 
still received the S. Pox from the inoculation. At the Town meet- 
ing of this day the Town granted all their property in the land ad- 
joining the Flats below the Sun Tavern for the purpose of building 
a Market, the fee to be in the Proprietors, now forty in number. 
They are purchasing of other persons proprietors around them. At 
this meeting also the regulations of the Houses on the Neck for in- 
oculation are in the power of the Selectmen. 

27. Reports of damage to Vessels by the late Storm. A M ri Orne 
has broken out with the Small Pox, the natural, having been in im- 
mediate danger from the presumption that she had taken it before. 
Merrimack Bridge is open to passengers. Marblehead Academy is 
incorporated. . 

[84] 28. A brig is ashore at Lynn Beach, belonging to Boston 
& two coasters in the outer harbour of Boston. 

29 GENERAL THANKSGIVING in this State. A note was 
sent to me inclosing twenty five Dollars, Bill of the Essex Bank, 
supposed by the hand writing to come from E. H. Derby Esq r , in- 



414 DIARY OF [1792 

eluding this our Contribution amounted to £22, 10. The follow- 
ing persons were assisted from this Contribution. 

Sus : Beadle. Wid. Eulen Wid Mary Masury. Wid. 

Sus : Becket. Wid. Foot. "Wid. John Masury. blind. 

Mary Berry. Wid. Forbes. Wid. Ab. Larkin. Wid. 

Ab. Curtis. Wid. Fairfield. Wid. Lander. Wid. 

Cox. Wid. King. Wid. Boss. Wid. 

Mary Clarke. Wid. Knap. Wid. Renew. Wid. 

Curtis. Wid. Lambert. Wid. Rhue. Wid. 

Cotton. Wid. Masury. Wid. Mary Swasey. Wid. 

Cloutman. Wid. Han. Murray. Wid. Searle. Wid. 

Th. Diman. aged. Ab. Masury. Wid. Silver. Wid. 

Shelden. Wid. Mary Valpy. Wid. 

Stevens. Wid. Webb. Wid. 

Shehane. Wid. Underwood. Wid. 

Abiel Tozzer. Wid. White. Wid. 

Eliz. Thomas. Wid. Lyd. Valpy. Wid. 

Mary Young. Wid. Wid. Whitford & D. 

Preached on the Neck. 

30. At the Neck all in apparently fine order. Symptoms not 
long, or excessively high, & many breaking out gradually. It is 
said the mother of D r Parker took the S. Pox upon her attendance 
at his funeral in this Town. 

December 1. Proposal of a machine to water Land. It raises 300 
Gallons in a minute by a single wheel, & discharges it Ten feet, &c. 
The Theatre continues to be the subject in Boston. 

Dec. 2. Sunday. Cold Day, & miserable singing in the Congre- 
gation. An hired man of Capt Gardner in Northfields, died at Sy- 
monds last week, under Inoculation, pock not out, by any means. 
No dangerous sickness in the Town. 

3. We find M r Derby shew the same liberality to all the relig- 
ious societies in Town, as a method more easy to himself, & family 
than the distribution at his door, which could not easily be rendered 
happy in the subjects of it. A Dispassionate Committee would prob- 
ably make the best use of the money. It is hoped his example will 
be followed. We hear of no damage done to any vessels belonging 
to this Port in the late Storms. 

[85] 4. M M Teil has died, supposed of the small pox by the 
appearance & symptoms, & a Nurse has been carried from S. Der- 
by's, Union Street, to the Hospital. 

5. Last night at the Lodge the following elections were made. 
I was not present. Hiller, G. M. King & Lawrence, W. Page & 
Langs, D. Pullings, P. Jenks, S. Resignations of W. Derby & 
Bentley, Stw. Hartshorne & Becket. Res. Vincent. 

6. The honorable Thomas Russel, Esq r , has subscribed towards 
the funds of the AGRICULTURAL Society, one thousand dollars. 
It is hoped that his liberality will be imitated. M r Symonds, aet. 70, 



1792] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 415 

died this afternoon. It is said the old gentleman was obstinate 
about his Physic, & died with a dysentery, aet. 70. 

7. A Sale of Books proposed in Boston next Monday. Such no- 
tice is seldom given above two or three times in a year,& then com- 
monly about Election & Commencement seasons. The British re- 
mark with justice that there is not a proper Bookstore on this side 
of New York. Guild, who had begun, lately died. West, Larkin, 
Thomas, White, &c. are not upon a large scale. 

8. The Governour ordered the High Sheriff to obstruct the Thea- 
tres' in Boston, as a direct violation of the Laws. There is much 
writing & speculation on the subject. The plea is that bad laws 
ou^ht to be repealed not violated. 

Dec. 9, 1792. Sunday. Eliz: Phippen, d. of her youngest 
child.^ Pleasant day, & several left the neck recovered from S. Pox 
by inoculation. , 

10. Went with Burrill for Boston, & m the evening at Concert 
Hall attended for the first time the Grand Lodge, at the Election 
of Officers. Applications were made for Charters from Hampshire, 
the Old Colony, & Maine, which were granted. Had a pleasant in- 
terview & retired after a private supper, &c. ...-«. 

11 Returned after several pleasant visits to my friends, Ac alter 
examining the Bookstores in the Town, which now begin to have a 
more promising appearance than at any former period. 

12 The Courier de l'TJnivers, a second french & english paper 
appeared in Boston this week. Its duration may not exceed the 
other, which had but small encouragement. A french Printer is 
wanted, as we see in Books printed in London, & so of english books 
printed in Paris. They have not yet learnt to conceal themselves by 
understanding the languages. A M r Wade was present with our 
singers at M r King's this evening. 

13 The whole number who had it at the Fort, &c. on the Neck 
in the second class, about sixty. The number inoculated in the Sec- 
ond Class at the Great Hospital between 50 & 60 persons. Persons 
who entered afterwards with apprehensions of particular danger 
about thirty. Castle Hill, Old Fort, Metcalf's, Pickman's Farm, 
shut up. Inoculation at Symond's, Danvers. Aborns shut up. 
At Aborn's inoculated thirty four in all. Since informed at Aborn 
43, & one natural way. .. ~. 

T871 Persons inoculated on the Neck called the Second Class_, en- 
tered November 21, 1792. Little, Physician. At the new Fort, 
belonging to East Society. 



416 



DIARY OP 



[1792 



Names Age 

Byrne, Symon 17 

Byrne, Hannah 15 

Archer, Mehitable 19 

Horton, John 12 

Horton, Sally 10 

Knap, Anna 17 

Knap, William 9 

Millet, Benj a 20 

LeFavre, Amos 27 

Parker, Bradstreet 22 

Underwood, George 18 

11. females 4. males 7. 

At Perkins's- Derby Farm, Neck. 



Manner 

few 

few 

few 

few 

few 

few 

few 

few 

full on face & back 

few 

few 



Return 

Ket. Dec. 11. 
Dec. 11. 
Dec. 9. 
Dec. 13. 
Dec. 13. 
Dec. 11. 
Dec. 11. 
Dec. 11. 
Dec. 15. 
Dec. 11. 
Dec. 11. 



Names 



Age 



Manner 



Becket, W m . 


17 


Becket, Sam 1 . 


17 


Becket, John 


16 


Becket, Eliz : 


10 


Becket, Rebecca 


7 


Becket, Mary 


3 


Becket, David 


6 


Babbidge, John 


26 


Babbidge, John 


3 


[88] Archer, Daniel 


16 


Dean, Thomas 


9 


Ellison, Marg. 


17 


Frank, Rachel 


15 


Frank, Martha 


11 


Bray, Benj. 


17 


Hawkes, Mary 


30 


Peele, Lydia 


22 


Peele, W m . 


19 


Ropes, Samuel 


12 


Ropes, Benj a . 


10 


Ropes, William 


8 


Ropes, Sarah 


6 


Waters, Mary 


9 


Waters, Ester 


7 


Waters, Martha 


5 


Welman, Timothy 


15 



few 

few 

few 

few 

few 

few 

mod: 

few 

few 

few 

few 

few 

few 

few 

few 

few 

few, sore throat. 

few 

few 

few 

few 

few 

few 

few 

few 

few, symp. high. 



Return 

Ret. Dec. 11. 

Dec. 11. 

Dec. 11. 

Dec. 11. 

Dec. 11. 

Dec. 11. 

Dec. 11. 

Dec. 11. 

Dec. 11. 

Dec. 11. 

Dec. 11- 

Dec. 11. 
living there, 
living there. 

Dec. 11. 

Dec. 11. 

Dec. 13. 

Dec. 13. 

Dec. 11. 

Dec. 11. 

Dec. 11. 

Dec. 11. 

Dec. 11. 

Dec. 11. 

Dec. 11. 

Dec. 11. 



26. females — males — . 



1792] 



KEY. WILLIAM BENTLEY 



417 



Nov. 18. 



At the Hospital. 
Mary Bowditch, set. 50. full. 



ret. Dec. 13. 

[90] List of persons taking SMALL POX in the natural way. 
Salem. 



1792 
Oct. 

Oct. 

Oct. 



14 

15 

16 



18 

27 

5 

6 

6 



Oct. 
Oct. 
Nov 
Nov 
Nov 
Nov. 17 
Nov. 18 
Nov. 25 
Nov. 25 
Nov. 25 
Nov. 26 
Nov. 30 
Dec r . 4 
Dec. 4 
Nov. 17 
Dec. 13 
Dec. 21 



Names Age Manner Fate 

William Cooke, 16, few pock, recovered, on the opp. 

see. 

few, recovered, 

full, died Oct. 26, 

full, died Oct. 24, 

full, died Oct. 28, 

full, died Nov.l, 

moderately, recovered, 

moderately, recovered, 

favourably, recovered, 

breaking out, died Nov. 18, 

full, died Nov. 24, 

moderately, recovered, 

full, died Nov. 29 

full, recovered, 

pock not full, died Dec. 8, 

pock turning, died Dec. 6, 

breaking out, died Dec. 4, 

full, died Dec. 9, 

few, recovered, 

full, recovered, 

few, recovered, 



30-40, 

25-30, 

3 months, 

set. 13, 

22, 

30-40, 

7, 

30-40 

30-40 



Mary Becket, 
M rs Southward, 
her child 
Samuel Valpy, 
Negro James, 
M rs Hare, 
Goodale's child, 
M rs Aborn, 
M rs Nichols, 
MrsJudithWelman,22, 
M rS . Masury, 30-40, 
Masury's Child, 3 months, 
Miss Sus: Porter, 18, 
M rs Orne, 25-30, 

Nath. Symonds, 70, 
M rs Tiel, 30-40, 

M™ Burns, 50-60, 

Joseph Towne, 12, 
Mercy Marston, 14, 
18, 



Mary Fuller, 

[92]. 14. Last night supped with the Union Fire Club.* The 
supper was elegant, but the indigesta moles, occasioned bitter re- 
pentance for the unseasonable entertainment. A subject of enqui- 
ry was whether the number should be enlarged beyond thirty. The 
conclusion was that as the Committee had agreed on that number, 
& the increase of the Clubs in number was of public utility, & as 
the social principle acts more strongly towards a well defined num- 
ber, it was best to adhere to our present number & advise the form- 
ing of more clubs on the same Institution. 

15. Died at Dan vers, Symonds', by a secondary fever after inocu- 
lation, a M r Rea of this Town, leaving a wife & seven children. He 
was bred a Blacksmith, but having an adventurous, rather than an 
ingenious turn of mind, he commenced Jack, clock, & watch ma- 
ker. His principal business was cleansing such machines, & being 
intoxicated with his success, he became proverbially a conceited 
man. In regard to the Small Pox, he knew every thing about it, 
rejected the prescriptions of his Physicians, & lived as he pleased, 

*See Essex Institute Hist. Coll., Vol. XXXIX, p. 7. 



418 DIARY OF [1792 

& died in consequence of his folly. Cannon discharged from the 
New Fort on the Neck upon the return of the last patient from that 
successful place. It is apprehended the inoculation there will cease. 

[93] Dec. 16. Sunday. Thomas Vincent & wife, on d. of 
only child. A cold day, but decent assembly collected. General 
Health & many purposes of marriages. Rev d David Tappan to be 
inaugurated Professor of Divinity at Cambridge on the 26 instant. 
He was Pastor in the same Parish which the Rev. T. Bernard left 
& came to Salem many years age. They have demanded the return 
of the settlement, & betrayed all the symptoms of deep rooted Su- 
perstition. Rev. Clarke of Boston, the only person in opposition, 
So formidable are the maxims of prudent conformity in this Coun- 
try even at the present day. 

17. ESSEX MERRIMAC BRIDGE between the Towns of New- 
bury & Salisbury, containing upwards of six thousand Tons of Tim- 
ber, formed of arches & solid pieces. Whole length of the Bridge, 
1030 feet. Height of the Arch between Newbury and Deer Island 
above common high water mark, 37 feet. Height of abutments 
above common high water mark, 30 feet. The two arches were 
planned by Timothy Palmer, of Newbury Port. The expense was 
double of what was first imagined. 

[94] 20. Spent the evening with J. Hiller esq r , looking over 
the work of the celebrated Lavater on Physiognomy. Curious 
enough. The examination of this evening will lead to a more full 
enquiry in to the merit of this occult science. 

21. The third time this week M. Placide has exhibited on the 
Rope & with all the variety of his Minuets, songs, &c. There was 
disturbance last Wednesday within from the licentious behaviour 
of some bucks of the Town. From 100 to 200 persons attend on 
these occasions. His company consists of seven persons, two fe- 
males included. 

Dec. 23. Sunday. An uncommonly pleasant day for the Season, 
& good singing. Preparations are making for the ordination of 
one Judson* in Wenham, & the Professor of Divinity at Cambridge 
this week. 

25. For the first time in this place the Clarionet, & violin, in- 
troduced into Church Music. There is now no ground of complaint 
against the catholics. The Gazette represents the unanimity of 
Boston in regard to the Theatre to have arisen from the predeter- 
mined absence of the opposite party, resting on the Law, & cautious 
of debate, & confusion. A noble example of prudence. Some steps 
have been taken privately to induce Salem to assist the petition of 
Boston, but a variety of causes will prevent a concurrence. At 
Placide's exhibition at Salem two clergymen were present. 

[95] The exhibitions of Placide continue in Salem. Very ar- 

*Rer. Adoniram Judson, whose son of the same name was the early missionary to 
India. 



^792] REV. WILLIAM BENTLEY 419 

rived from Europe, having been out a long time, & in great want 
of provisions he was relieved by a Ship, has lost one of his hands, 
who died on the passage homeward. Several of our vessels have 
been dismasted in their passages to the West Indies. This day is to 
be ordained Judson, lately from Maiden. His council are Cleveland, 
Oliver & Parish. He will not trust an enlightened clergy after 
the trouble they gave him at Maiden. And the people have shown 
no gratitude for the services of the association. He is installed at 
Wenham, & he might literally be so, with greater propriety, than 
be placed in his present situation. 

27. Curious proposals as there are now fifteen states in our 
Union to represent then by Stars, pyramidwise. 

Dec. 30. Sunday. Notes. Timothy Welman, return roinsea, 
sudden d. of his wife & Brother at Sea, Mary Bowditch & Child- 
ren d of her d. Welman & Son at Sea. The present a time of pre- 
vailing health, no person being even suspected of dangerous symp- 

t0 31* The last day of the year remarkable for the extremes of heat 
& coid. In the morning the streets ran with water, m the evening 
all were in the iron bands of winter. The great expences of the 
singing school in the last year, instead of any recompence only con- 
firmed against me the heavy charge of imprudence. Eule for the 
next year, to give opinions with caution, & to quote authorities 
w!S the same to have as little confidence in the world as possible 
& as much benevolence. 



IJSTDEX 



Abbot, , 66, 68, 78, 117, 239, 

242, 295, 309, 316. 
Col., 130, 131, 195, 215. 
Wid. Margaret, 95. 
Col. S., 237. 
Abbot's cove, 239, 382. 
Abbott's rock, 378. 

Aborn, , 412, 415, 417. 

Accidental death, 48, 51, 101, 

109, 132, 139. 
Accidental explosion, 25. 

Adams, , 38, 44, 45, 46, 47, 

51, 52, 57, 78, 83, 121, 238, 
240, 241, 319, 327. 
Hannah, 8. 

John, xviii, xxi, xxviii, 306. 
Adwrie, Rebecca, 55. 
Aged persons, 342. 

Aiken, Aitken, , 141, 243. 

Ailsbury, Judge, 200. 
Air, Fresh, 293. 

Alexander, , 282. 

Alleghany College, xxi, xxv. 

Allen, , 18, 25, 100, 122, 125, 

145,167,217,242,316,365,376. 
Capt., xxxiii, 22, 28, 37, 48, 
72, 85, 89, 101, 103, 109, 127, 
128, 176, 281, 289, 383, 402. 
Capt., jr., 43, 48. 
Rev., 116. 
Wid., 166. 
Alexander, 2, 340. 
Alice, 82. 
Betsey, 409. 
E., 17, 78, 102, 153. 
Capt. E., jr., 361. 
Edward, 2, 8, 27, 49, 62, 77, 

79, 222, 332, 340, 385. 
Elizabeth, 313. 
Col. Ethan, 120. 
Henry, 409. 
John, 2, 340. 
Lockart, 409. 
Nancy, 409. 
Richard, 109. 
Roger (negro), 409. 
Sally, 79. 
William, 109. 



Alligator, 281. 

American Antiquarian Society, 

xix, xxi, xxv. 
Amesbury, 199, 200. 
Amherst, 92. 

Andover, 117, 120, 130, 202, 241, 
242, 246, 275. 

Andrew, Andrews, , 21, 50, 

51, 101, 116, 126, 192, 248, 
252, 257, 298, 308, 311, 388. 
Capt., 281. 

Abigail, 95, 96, 222, 332, 356. 
Elizabeth, 95, 96, 186. 
Hannah, 407. 
J., 258. 
John, 8, 27, 95, 96, 101, 102, 

121, 298, 299. 
Jonathan, 109, 322. 
Joseph, xli, 346. 
Wid. M., 36. 
Wid. Mary, 8, 50, 223, 236, 322, 

332. 
Nathaniel, 347, 356, 408. 

Angell, , xxxiv. 

Angier, Rev. John, 62. 
Ann, Cape, 97, 107, 128, 215, 
231, 302, 361, 400. 

Appleton, , 232, 291, 350. 

Dr., 53, 91, 217. 
John, 291. 
Apthorp, Grizzell, 84. 

James, 84. 
Aquae Vitae rocks, 378. 

Archer, , 117, 127, 239, 258, 

311, 313, 325, 326, 365. 
Wid. Abigail, 114. 
Benjamin, 70. 
Daniel, 3, 416. 
Haunah, 8, 16, 19, 22, 70, 223, 

333, 372, 411. 
Henry, 406, 410, 412. 

James,* 8, 126, 133, 136, 201, 

222, 232, 388, 410. 
John, 8, 222, 313, 332, 410. 
Jonathan, 8, 40, 100, 101, 126, 

128, 133, 146, 191, 236, 313, 

325. 

(421) 



422 



INDEX 



Archer, Jonathan, jr., 8, 49, 60, 
79, 101, 223, 332, 345. 
Jonathan, sr., 49, 222, 332. 
Jonathan, 2d, 114. 
Jonathan, 3d, 8, 51, 133, 222, 

332, 364. 
Lydia, 411. 
Mary, 2. 

Mehitable, 4, 416. 
Nathaniel, 8, 70, 409. 
S., 5, 6, 100. 
Sally, 5. 
Samuel, 8, 136, 182, 222, 311, 

332, 353, 408. 
Sarah, 411. 

Asbury, , 269. 

Ash 45_ 

Ashby, Ashbey, , 137, 138, 

140, 238. 

Capt., 238, 257, 364. 

Mary, 404. 

Eebecca, 137. 

Thomas, 8, 183, 222, 333. 
Ashley, J., 92. 
Ashton, Capt., 148, 150. 

J., 372. 
Ashuelot, 173. 
Aspinwall, , 394. 

Dr., 366, 397, 407. 

D., 402. 
Assembly House, Portsmouth 

(N. H.), 63. 
Assembly room, Haverhill, 198. 
Atherton, Dr., 173. 

Humphrey, 173. 
Atkins, , 200. 

D 259. 
Atwell, — , 217, 218. 
Auctions, 245. 
Austin, , 345, 397. 

Babbidge, , 117, 190, 247, 

274, 365, 405. 
B., 5, 6, 119. 
C. 293. 
Christopher, 8, 95, 96, 137, 

214, 223, 333, 346, 405. 
E., 6. 
H., 6. 
J., 5, 6. 
John, 3, 136, 138, 223, 276, 

333, 416. 
John, jr., 3. 

Lydia, 8, 17, 50, 95, 96. 

M., 293. 

Martha, 95, 96, 204, 274, 405. 

Mehitable, 95. 

Kuth, 386. 



Babbidge, S., 6, 257. 

Susannah, 95, 96, 125, 179, 
193, 223, 276, 333, 358, 405. 
Bache, B. F., 168. 

B. Franklin, 168. 

Bacon, , 173, 182, 351. 

Baker, , 214, 242, 396. 

Baker's island, 270, 276, 281, 

284, 296. 
Balch, Robert, 3. 

Rev. W., 116, 258, 341, 350. 

Baldwin, , 212. 

Ballard, , 25, 217, 218, 258, 

285. 
Balloons, 214. 
Baltimore (Md.), xxx. 

Bancroft, , 216, 258. 

Bangs, , 43 . 

C, 6. 

Caleb, 28, 41, 43. 
Bank in Salem, 345. 
Banks, Anna, 401. 
Baptism, 24, 43, 367, 378, 384, 

385, 386. 
Barker, , 175. 

Thomas, 95, 347. 
Barnard, Rev. Thomas, x, 21, 

89, 103, 122, 161, 205. 
Barnard, see also Bernard. 
Barnwell, George, 148. 
Barr, , 190. 

Capt., 386. 

J., 342. 
Barrase, Peter, 162. 
Barrase, see also Burrass. 

Barrell, Barrel, , 262, 264, 

395. 

J., 76, 279. 

Barrett, , 291. 

Barrott, J., 342. 
Bartholmew, Henry, 180, 181.' 

Bartlett, Bartlet, , 240, 269, 

370. 

John, 51. 

Robert, 9. 
Barton, , 248, 275. 

Margaret, 146. 

Samuel, 401. 
Bass, Rev. Edward, 87, 125, 139, 

196, 209, 250, 257, 259. 
Batchelor, , 283. 

Gideon, 154. 

Nathaniel, 102. 

Batelle, , 27. 

Bateman, , 235. 

Mary, 8, 40, 50, 125, 223, 270, 
333, 383. 

Michael, 223, 333. 



INDEX 



423 



Bates, Capt. , 8, 412. 

Bathing, 32, 254. 
Batoon, Capt. John, 223, 333. 
Batoon, see also Batten, Bat- 
toun. 

Battam, , 162. 

Batten, Batton, , 63, 133, 

270. 
Aaron, 182, 223, 262. 
John, 9, 162. 
Wid. M., 19. 

Wid. Mary, 8, 50, 223, 270, 333. 
Sarah, 270. 

Battoun, , 204. 

John, 205, 238. 
Battoun, see also Batoon. 
Bay State Psalm Book, xiii. 

Beach, , 257, 359, 360. 

Capt., 267, 360. 
Beacon hill, 211. 
Beacon Hill monument, 211. 
Beacon on Baker's island, 276, 
281, 283, 284, 296. 

Beadle, , 40, 57, 133. 

Wid.. 98. 
Hannah, 6, 121. 
L., 403. 

Lydia, 8, 26, 40, 168, 223, 317, 
333, 390, 393, 398, 399, 403. 
Wid. Mary, 95. 
S., 57. 

Susanna, 40, 98, 403, 414. 
Susey, 8. 
Beane, Wid. Ester, 223, 333. 
Beattie, Dr., 345. 
Beccaria, Abbe, 56. 

Becket, , 2, 17, 115, 126, 137, 

138, 184, 260, 264, 400, 401, 
412, 414. 
Capt., 142, 155, 241, 339, 387, 

406. 
Benjamin, 95. 
Betsey, 4. 
C. J., 257. 
David, 3, 416. 
Elizabeth, 95, 96, 137, 416. 
Wid. Hannah, 95. 
J., 3, 119, 121, 127,195, 272,365. 
James, 8, 17, 49, 148, 157, 223, 

333. 
John, 6, 8, 27, 43, 46, 49, 95, 
96, 121,, 124, 135-138, 184, 
188, 223, 298, 333, 340, 346, 
347, 416. 
John, jr., 3. 
Lydia, 5. 

Mary, 8, 50, 102, 223, 333, 408, 
416, 417. 



Becket, Polly, 4. 
R., 119. 

Rebecca, 4, 416. 
Retire, 365. 
S., 6, 57. 
Sally, 5, 6, 119. 
Samuel, 3, 416. 
Susannah, 95, 96, 98, 209, 414. 
W.,2. 
William, 3, 96, 340, 416. 

Beckford, , 389. 

Belfrey, , 315. 

Belknap, Belnap, , 181, 228, 

229, 234, 323, 362. 
Rev., 125, 272. 
Jeremy, xxxix. 

Bell, , 4, 90, 199, 243. 

Bell foundry, 387, 395. 
Bells, 36. 

Bennet, , 135. 

Bentley, Betsey, 132. 
Bettey, 211. 
Elizabeth, ix, 134. 
John, 125, 137, 257. 
Joshua, ix, 114, 257. 
Joshua, Letter to, 29, 114. 
Sukey, 296, 375. 
Thomas, 16, 19, 30, 257, 310, 
368, 370. 
Book by, 153. 
Letter to, 30. 
Rev. William, 234, 237, 414. 
Anecdote of the bull, 154. 
Author and newspaper con- 
tributor, xviii. 
Bequest of books and man- 
uscripts, xxi. 
Bibliography of his writ- 
ings, xxxvii. 
Birth and education, ix. 
Changes boarding place, 

234, 235. 
Charity and consideration 
for others, xxvi, xxxi, 
xxxiv. 
Death, xxxvi. 
Death of grandfather and 

trouble over will, 44, 51. 
Difficulties with Rev. 

James Diman, x, 22. 
Discussion of politics, xiii, 

xxix. 
Dress and appearance, 

xxiv. 
Early preaching, 91. 
Financial difficulties, 183. 
Historical writings, 352. 
Hymn book by, xiii, 114. 



424 



INDEX 



Bentley, Rev. William, Interest 
in public institutions, 
xvi. 
Lecture introduced, 229. 
Liberal in doctrines, xiv,98. 
Library of, 58, 59. 
List of his manuscripts pre- 
served at Worcester, xix. 
Marriage of sister, 210, 211, 

271. 
Newspaper writings, xviii, 

202, 213, 231, 345, 383. 
Noted linguist, xviii. 
Patriotism, xxv. 
Poems by, 82, 128, 155, 185, 

197, 374, 390. 
Printed works, 195, 206, 

251, 256, 269, 293. 
Pulpit exercises, xii. 
Relations with his father, 

164. 
Review of conduct, 134. 
Sermons, xii, 77, 375, 380, 

383. 
Sermons criticised, 276. 
Settlement at Salem, ix, 1. 
Student of natural history, 

xvii, xxxii. 
Teacher in the public 
schools, xxiii. 
Bentley Hall, Alleghany Col- 
lege, xxi. 

Bernard, , 65, 135, 138, 139, 

161, 166, 175, 193, 196, 198, 
242, 246, 252, 314, 328, 341, 
351, 370. 
Rev., 24, 33, 37, 42, 79, 152, 
182, 216, 255, 257, 263, 272, 
273, 283, 285, 305, 355, 363, 
385, 388, 392, 412. 
Rev., jr., 272. 
Rev., sr., 273. 
Rev. Thomas, 75, 76, 418. 
Bernard, see also Barnard. 

Berry, , 388. 

Abigail, 8, 223, 333, 388. 

J., 48. 

John, 8, 49, 95, 96, 99, 124, 

388, 409. 
John, jr., 223, 333. 
Capt. John, sr., 223, 333. 
Mary, 9, 40, 95, 96, 414. 
Oliver, 95, 96. 
Berwick, 67. 
Best, David, 347. 
Bet, Indian, 255. 

Bethune, , 71, 278. 

Beverley, James (negro), 409. 



Beverly, 76, 79, 80, 98, 100, 104, 
145, 148, 149, 154, 159, 160, 
167, 200, 204, 212, 215, 236, 
270, 289, 300, 304, 305, 310, 
363. 
Beverly bar, 380. 
Beverly bridge, 69, 79, 100, 102, 

104, 353. 
Beverly bridge, see also Essex 

bridge. 
Bibles, 141. 

Bickford, , 33. 

Ester, 409. 
John, 87, 333. 
W., 2. 

William, 340. 
Biddeford, 65. 
Birchmore, Capt. J., 63. 
Bird cage, 74. 

Bisby, , 268, 275. 

Bishop, , 341, 391. 

Dr. B., 139. 

Blackmore, , 32. 

Blake, Capt. Patrick, 281. 

Blampey, , 19. 

Blanchard, , 128. 

Samuel, 176. 

Blaney, , 122, 373. 

Joseph, 39. 
Blind child, 247, 368. 
Blinds on houses, 187. 
Bliss, Rev., 171. 

Blodget, , 149, 198. 

Blythe, , 90, 107. 

Boardman, , 17, 25, 28, 39, 

49, 111, 115, 117, 145, 192, 
365 395. 
Capt.i 33, 89, 119, 125, 127, 

131, 164, 176, 179, 229. 
Madam, 25. 
A., 257. 
Eliza, 407. 

Francis, 1, 8, 17, 27, 40, 50, 
94-96, 107, 223, 257, 333, 355, 
407. 
Mary, 77, 95, 96, 261, 356, 383, 

407. 
Sarah, 407. 

Bond, , 128. 

Bonneville, , 291. 

Books, Loan of, 82. 
Bookstores, 219. 
Bootman, Mary, 125. 
Borlasca, Francisco, 315. 
Boston, ix, xv, 38, 45, 55, 59, 
60, 83, 84, 86, 87, 100, 133, 
136, 145, 147, 168, 194, 205, 
211, 212, 229, 237, 258, 262, 



TNDEX 



425 



Boston, 268, 271, 277, 280, 340, 
356, 361, 362, 368, 376,, 389, 
391, 393, 394, 396. 
Botany bay, 87. 

Bours, , 161, 164. 

Bow and arrow, 255. 

Bowditch, , 89, 168, 258, 

316, 326, 375. 

Anna, 270. 

Betsey, 6, 121. 

Eliza, 326. 

Capt. Habaccuce, 333. 

Jo., 257. 

Wid. M., 18. 

Mary, 8, 20, 50, 223, 270, 333, 
417, 419. 

Nathaniel, 408. 

Polly, 6, 121. 

Samuel, 262. 
Bowditch's ledge, 378. 
Bowdoin, , 121, 233. 

Gov., 233, 265. 

James, 212. 

Bowen, , 265, 320. 

Bowes, , 198. 

Bowler, , 360, 361. 

Bowman, , 18. 

Capt. Francis, 1. 
Box, John, 84. 

Lydia, 84. 
Boxford, 233, 241. 
Boylstone, , 400. 

Benjamin, 9. 

Bradbury, , 195, 322. 

Bradford, , 161, 206, 251, 

387, 396. 

Col., 296, 300, 312. 

Rev.. 108. 

Col. Samuel, 150. 

William, 117. 
Bradford, 198, 259. 
Bradish, , 375, 394. 

Isaac, 159. 
Bradstreet, , 346. 

Gov., 58. 
Braintree, 149. 

Brattle, , 398. 

Brattleborough, 94. 
Bray, , 178, 239, 365. 

B., 28. 

Benjamin, 3, 416. 

Daniel, 14. 

Eunice, 96. 

John, 177, 223, 333. 

Robert, 6, 27. 

Thomas, 174. 
Breck, , 63, 89, 90. 

Rev., 76. 



Breck, Rev. Robert, 1. 
Breed, , 174, 185, 203. 

Col., 195. 

W., 71. 

Brewster, , 64, 65. 

Brickett, Col., 199. 
Bridge at Charlestown, 38. 
Bridge at Lancaster, 172. 
Bridge to Beverly, 69, 79, 100, 

102, 104. 
Bridgewater, 280. 

Briggs, , 59, 152, 156, 163, 

218, 258, 290, 324, 364, 406. 

Capt.. 1, 16, 89. 

Enos, 256, 306, 369. 

J., 258, 395. 

Jeremiah, 407. 

John, 407. 

Johnson, 27, 96, 114, 223, 333, 
386, 407. 

Capt. Johnston, 8. 

Ruth, 26, 214, 236, 360, 395, 
407. 

Samuel, 407. 

Thomas, 1, 229. 
Brimmer, Martin, 57. 
Brindley, J., 6. 

Brock, , 100. 

Brookline, 278, 394, 396-398. 
Brooks, Brookes, Gen., 106, 128. 

L., 3. 

Luke, 341. 

Samuel, 333. 

Brown, , 18, 19, 21, 42, 66, 

90, 100, 106, 127, 128, 166, 
179, 184, 189, 198, 235, 269, 
281, 307, 354, 358, 365. 

Capt., 295. 

Dr., 328. 

Anna, 9 

B., 2, 195, 268. 

Benjamin, 6, 19, 27, 28, 101. 

Benjamin, jr., 223. 

Mrs. E., 6. 

Edward Vail, 194. 

Elizabeth, 95. 

H., 6. 

Hannah, 9, 19, 95, 96. 

James, xxx, 39, 40, 63, 70, 78, 
109, 124, 223. 

John, 6, 16, 28, 33, 57, 60. 

John, sr., 16. 

Jonathan, 8, 20, 70, 223, 410. 

Joseph, 8, 61, 223. 

Katy, 22. 

Mary, 117, 307. 

Mercy, 96. 

N., 6, 36. 



426 



INDEX 



Brown, Wid. Nancy, 223. 

Nathan, 9, 38, 73. 

Polly, 4. 

Kebecca, 28, 73, 404. 

S., 6, 76, 308. 

Sarah, 9, 401. 

Capt. T., 103. 

Williani, xiv, 21, 96, 109, 223. 

Browne, , 179, 181, 189, 

325, 364, 373, 378, 388, 404. 

Abigail, 2, 340. 

B., 153, 232. 

Benjamin, 127, 333, 340. 

Betsey, 3. 

Elizabeth, 410. 

Eunice, 408. 

Hannah, 408. 

J., 342. 

James, 8, 24, 333. 

John, 8, 346. 

John, sr., 8. 

Jonathan, 333 

Joseph, 21, 333. 

Wid. Mary, 49, 175. 

Wid. Nancy, 333. 

Sally, 408. 

Sarah, 24. 

William, 8, 49, 78, 95, 96, US, 
125, 127, 140, 181, 258, 333, 
346, 347, 364. 

Browning, , 329. 

Brown's folly, 149. 
Bruce, Jonathan, 9, 20. 
Buckingham, Joseph T., xl. 

Buckminister, , 64. 

Buffalo, 351. 

Buffington, , 28, 44, 195, 

211, 237, 245, 312, 330, 393, 
404. 

Maj., 5, 78,87, 1S2. 

Capt. Jo., 400. 
Buffum, J., 342. 
Buffum's corner, 130. 
Bulfinch, Dr., 257, 279. 

C, 76. 

Dr. Thomas, 81, 82. 

Bulkley, ,290. 

Bullock, Elizabeth, 133. 
Burbeck, , 57. 

Col., 57. 
Burchmore, John, 8, 96, 223, 
333. 

Mary, 96. 
Burglary, see Theft. 
Burke, , 255, 260, 325. 

Capt. , 236. 

Judge, 383. 

M., 57. 



Burke, Mary, 98. 

Mercy, 237, 238, 258. 

Patty, 4. 

Burns, Burn, Burne, , 372, 

417. 

Hannah, 3, 223, 333, 367. 
Burns, see also Byrne. 

Burnum, , 30. 

Burr, Dr., 282. 
Burrass, My., 98. 
Burrass, see also Barrase. 

Burrill, Burrell, Burril, , 

30,41, 204, 205, 218. 269, 
415. 

Alden, 8, 202. 

Aldin, 223. 

Ebenezer, 8. 

Joanna, 409. 

M., 6. 

Mansfield, 8, 36, 49, 138, 223, 
274, 333, 396, 405. 

Polly, 3. 

William, 408. 
Burroughs, Burrows, , 255. 

M., 57. 

Mary, 9, 28, 49, 223, 236, 333. 
Bushnel, Hannah, 19. 

Rebeccah, 17. 

Butler, , 290. 

Butman, , 235. 

Buttons, 244. 
Buxton, Phoebe, 408. 
Byfield, 291. 
Byrne, Byrn, , 326. 

Capt. 44, 127, 176, 192, 328, 
376. 

Capt. Clifford, 223, 333. 

Wid. H., 16. 

Hannah, 4, 9, 369, 371, 416. 

Margaret, 401. 

Wid. Mary, 401. 

Simon, 3, 9. 

Symon, 416. 
Byrne, see also Burns. 

Cabot, , 39, 100, 193, 216, 

261. 

Andrew, 260. 

C, 17. 

F.,79. 

Francis, 36, 84, 104. 

G., 32, 36, 158, 258. 

George, 27, 70, 79, 80, 102, 
167, 310. 

John, 201. 

Nancy, 104. 
Caen, Hannah, 70. 
Caesar, 375. 



INDEX 



427 



Cage for offenders, 289, 290. 
Calais (France), 17. 
Calumb, D., 342, 354. 

Calvin, , 367. 

Cambridge, 100, 125, 141, 168, 
170, 265, 278, 280, 382. 

Campbell, , 194, 210. 

Canals, 280, 287. 
Canary bird, 85. 
Cancers, 163, 164, 232, 388. 
Candles, 277. 
Cann, Elizabeth, 95. 
Canvas factory, 198, 202. 

Carleton, Carlton, , 90, 137, 

198, 258, 395. 
Col., 16, 17, 18, 44, 82, 257, 

370. 
Lieut., 92. 
C. W., 307. 
Deborah, 221. 
Eunice, 95, 97. 
Hannah, 221. 
Mary, 274. 
Samuel, 9, 50, 87, 95, 97, 221, 

346, 347. 
William, 50, 270, 274, 407. 

Carnes, , 45, 203, 204, 205, 

216, 217, 219, 228, 230, 247, 
251, 255, 258. 
John, 347. 
Carpenter, Capt., 192. 
Rev., 173. 
Capt. B., 237. 
Benjamin, 298. 

Carroll, Carrol, , 252, 262, 

263, 265, 318. 
Dr., 136, 262. 

TT o 

Hannah, 340. 

James, 9, 10, 16, 40, 224, 274, 
334, 384. 

Mary, 24-26. 

Provided, 37. 
Carr's island, 406. 

Carter, , 116. 

Cary, , 61, 252. 

Rev., 116, 258, 259. 

Rev. Thomas, 250. 
Cat island, 287. 
Catechism, Priestley's, 68. 
Catholics, Roman, 161, 162, 165, 
182, 188, 192, 194, 196, 232, 
252, 263. 
Cayson, Benjamin, 333. 
Census of Essex County towns, 

1790, 212. 
Census of Salem, 1785, 7. 
Census of Salem, 1790, 222. 



Centenarians, 220, 229, 329, 373. 

Chadwick, , 280. 

Chandler, , 53. 

Rev. 122. 

J., 28. 

John, 10, 27, 48. 

Joseph, 6. 

Chapman, , 77, 174. 

J., 342. 
Chapman's Corner, 130. 
Charity, xxxi. 
Charlestown, 39, 92, 157. 
Charlestown Heights, 236. 

Chauncy, , 187, 339. 

Capt., 355. 
Dr., 53. 
Chebacco, 300, 301. 

Cheever, , 16, 83. 

Anstis, 401. 
Benjamin, 9. 
Capt. James, 9. 

Chever, , 17, 18, 36, 57, 100, 

101, 103, 109, 128, 188, 298, 
371, 375. 
Capt., 89, 164, 165,193,233,365. 
B., 119, 289. 293. 
Benjamin, 223, 333, 406, 411. 
C. J., 257. 
Israel, 47. 

Capt. J., 124, 132, 378. 
James, 19, 27, 76, 132, 184, 
224, 333, 347, 364, 383, 401. 
Margaret, 408. 
Mary, 411. 
P., 121. 
Peggy, 6, 120. 
Peter, 96, 347. 
Rebecca, 47, 57. 
Ruth, 406, 408, 411, 412. 
S., 2, 119, 121, 163, 180, 232, 

257, 289. 
Sally, 5, 119, 185. 
Samuel, 6, 10, 119, 120, 161, 

164, 223, 333, 358, 408. 
Sarah, 53, 83, 114, 340, 370, 

408. 
William, 9, 47. 
Cheverus, Bishop, xxx. 

Chickering, , 120, 121. 

Chimney fire, 150. 
Chinese coins, 91. 

Chipman, , 377, 401. 

Capt., 188, 234, 273, 275, 284. 

Eliza, 126. 

Elizabeth, 124,131,212,363. 

J., 275. 

T., 18. 

Thomas, 10, 223, 334. 



428 



INDEX 



Chishull, Emanuel, 162. 
Choshull, Manual, 101. 
Christmas service, 25. 
Clark, , 33, 57, 66. 

Capt., 49, 258. 

Rev., 383. 

Eliza, 26. 

Capt. Jacob, 9, 26. 

Wid. Mar., 9. 

Margaret, 26, 33, 56, 169. 

Stephen, 174. 

Clarke, , 67, 68, 146, 211, 

262, 263, 264. 

Capt., 51. 

Rev., 170, 216, 320, 324, 418. 

Elizabeth, 224, 334, 408. 

Rev. J., 257. 

John, 104, 354. 

Wid. M., 173. 

Margaret, 98, 175, 223. 

Wid. Mary, 334, 414. 

Rev. Peter, 320. 

S., 175. 

Sarah (Pickering), 104. 
Clary, Lydia, 96. 
Clearage, James, 10, 111, 113, 
224, 235. 

Joseph, 334. 

Cleaveland, , 243, 359. 

Cleveland, , 34, 90, 123, 

161, 213, 216, 230, 231, 302, 
359, 419. 

Lt., 161. 

Rev., 76, 90, 108, 177. 

Rev., jr., 108. 

George. 399. 

S., 384. 
Clock in the meeting-house, 

xii. 
Clocks, 183. 
Clough, , 48, 95, 145, 243. 

Wid., 401. 
Cloutman, , 57. 

Wid., 98, 414. 

Benjamin, 9, 22, 27, 156,*224, 
248, 333. 

Daniel, 39, 224, 334. 

H., 57, 98, 124, 151, 156. 

Hannah, 26, 95, 97, 138, 153, 
223, 333. 

J., 343. 

Joseph, 95, 97. 

Wid. M., 20. 

Wid. Mary, 9, 33, 95, 109, 155, 
156. 

Priscilla, 410. 

S., 27. 

Sarah, 24. 



Cloutman, Stephen, 6, 9, 26-28, 

33, 83, 126, 223, 322, 334. 
Coble hill, 395. 
Cod, Cape, 343. 
Coins, 73, 75, 79, 91, 103, 174, 

175, 277, 302. 
Coit, Capt., 66. 
Colds, 285. 

Coleman, , 218. 

Collins, , 17, 36, 100, 141, 

179, 264, 809, 344. 

Capt., 78, 89, 127, 176, 341, 
358. 

A., 132. 

Andoniram, 347. 

E., 57. 

Elizabeth, 10, 96-98. 

Hannah, 26, 33, 95. 

J., 18, 21, 102, 293, 365. 

James, 96, 233, 334, 399. 

James, jr., 9, 223. 

Jo., 3. 

John, 1, 9, 10, 17, 27, 43, 50, 
96,97, 103, 107, 109, 120, 193, 
257, 385, 395, 397, 407. 

John, jr., 224, 334. 

John, sr., 223, 334. 

John, 3d, 224. 

Joseph, 340. 

Mary, 9, 41, 95-97, 101, 125, 
175, 179, 224, 334, 409. 

Richard, 405. 

William, 120. 
Colt, Anecdote of, 203. 
Colton, James, 209. 
Columbia (ship), 152, 174, 175, 

190. 
Commencement at Harvard, 

187, 277. 
Communion table, xlii. 
Concert of music, 214. 

Conclin, , 92. 

Concord, 170, 396. 
Coney island, 284. 
Coney Island ledge, 378. 
Connecticut, 139. 
Constitution, Federal, Adoption 

of, 101. 
Constitution (frigate), xxiii. 
Conway, 93. 
Cook, , 401. 

Betsey, 63. 

Charles, 63. 

Hannah (Stone), 63. 

Cooke, , 132, 165, 365, 400, 

401, 403. 

Betsey, 63, 71, 118, 220. 

C.,2. 



INDEX 



429 



Cooke, Catharine, 340, 408. 

Charles, 401. 

Elizabeth, 408. 

Hannah, 401. 

J., 343. 

Rebecca, 408. 

William, 3, 224, 334, 341, 408, 
412, 417. 
Cooley, Abigail, 63. 

John, 63. 
Coombs, Abigail, 223, 333. 

F., 353. 

George, 409. 

Isaac, 48. 
Coombs, see also Cumbs. 
Cooper, Dr., x, 34, 52, 264, 356. 

Judge, 248, 263. 

Rev. William, 52. 
Cordis, Capt., 40. 
Cordis, see also Cordyce. 

Cor dwell, , 255. 

Cordyce, Capt. J., 382. 
Cordyce, see also Cordis. 

Cottle, , 199. 

Cotton, , 276, 277. 

Wid., 414. 

Alice, 212, 216, 271, 276, 372. 

Elias, 10. 

Elizabeth, 123, 193, 270, 276. 

J., 274. 

James, 204, 224. 

Samuel, 262. 

William, 223, 274. 
Cotton manufactory, 200, 236, 

289. 
Cowley, Wid., 10. 

Cox, , 57, 100, 102, 115, 

412. 

Wid., 98, 414. 

Capt. B., 404. 

Benjamin, 113. 
Crafts, Ebenezer, 1. 

Craig, , 241. 

Crane, , 364, 373, 378. 

Creeley, James, 224, 334. 

Crier, Town, 381. 

Crime, 133. 

Crispen, Crispin, William, 10, 

224, 334. 
Crookshanks, Joseph, 9, 10,224, 

334. 
Crosman, , 188. 

Abijah, 160. 

Crow, , 60, 316. 

Crowell, , 60, 316. 

Crowninshield, Crowingshield, 
Crowinshield, xxxvi, 28, 
132, 192, 220, 229, 300, 372. 



Crowninshield, Capt., 89, 120, 
165, 173, 190, 341, 364, 371. 

Wid., 7, 127. 

Anstis, 221. 

B., 18, 228, 231, 237, 293, 298, 
388. 

Capt. Benjamin, 9, 27, 43, 72, 
223, 333. 

C, 228. 

Clifford, 202, 365. 

G. 17, 55, 117, 258. 

Capt. G. jr., 174. 

Capt. George, xxviii, xxx, 
9, 50, 223, 333. 

H., 257, 258. 

Hannah, xxxvi, 9, 28, 50, 95, 
97, 234, 235, 333. 

J., 95, 97. 

Jacob, 9, 209, 234. 

John, 9, 16, 28,117, 221. 

Mary, 9, 17, 40, 50, 72, 97, 124, 
221, 396, 410. 

Mary Ives, 95. 

Mary R., xxxix. 

S., 6. 

Sally, 5. 

Sarah, 18, 28, 410. 
Cumbs, A., 6, 17. 

Abigail, 5, 9. 
Cumbs, see also Coombs. 
Cummings, , 89, 187. 

Rev., 25, 117, 299. 

Curtis, , 162, 163, 216, 218, 

219. 

Capt., 155, 156. 

Wid., 414. 

A., 57. 

Ab., 98, 414. 

Wid. Abigail, 9, 95, 96, 224, 
334. 

Daniel, 95. 

William, 346, 347. 

Curwen, Curwin, , 132, 136 

139. 

Rev., 273. 

S., 194. 

Cushing, , 37, 38, 40, 122, 

195. 

Judge, 122. 

J., 6. 

James, 28. 
Customs, Old-time, 381. 
Cutler, , 89, 166, 236, 370. 

Dr., 302, 377. 

Rev., 75, 76, 127, 249. 

J., 343. 

Rev. Manasseh, 228, 371. 
Cutter, , 62. 



430 



INDEX 



Cutts, , 67. 

Col., 65, 66, 67. 

Dabney, , 4, 136, 169. 

Daland, see Deland. 
Dale, John, 224, 334. 

John Eliot, 126. 
Dalrymple, Marguerite, xxiii. 

Dalton, , 116, 139, 196, 248, 

299. 

Ned, 216. 
Dana, , 89, 247, 359, 360. 

Judge, 255, 358. 

Rev., 76, 108. 

Mary, 85. 

Samuel, xxxviii. 
Dancing school, 81, 122. 

Dane, , 158, 159, 167, 182, 

191, 310. 

Wid., 10, 17. 

N., 215, 258. 
Danforth, Dr., 153. 
Daniels, Benjamin, 334. 

S., 343. 
Danielson, Adj. Gen., 312. 
Danvers, 132, 180, 212, 215, 366, 

373, 375, 385. 
Dart, Lydia, 235. 
Dartmouth College, 34, 142. 

Davenport, , 53. 

Davis, , 42. 

Capt., 33. 

Daniel, 249. 

Jacob, 1. 
Dawes, , 211, 257, 293. 

Col., 386. 
Dawson, see Dorson. 
Day, Luke, 55. 
Deacons, xiv. 
Dean, , 277, 310, 356, 365. 

Capt., 205. 

Abigail, 410. 

B., 102. 

Benjamin, 6, 10, 41, 62, 101, 
121, 201, 224, 334, 375, 377, 
404. 

Betsey, 3. 

C, 6. 

Christiana, 5. 

E., 2. 

Elizabeth, 340. 

G., 6. 

George, 334, 355. 

Hannah, 101. 

John, 375. 

Lydia, 89, 104, 194, 206. 

Mary, 10. 

Polly, 224, 334. 



Dean, Sarah, 356. 
Sukey, 6, 121. 

Susanna, 21, 101, 113, 179, 191. 
T., 257. 

Thomas, 4, 10, 50, 190, 205, 
206, 224, 271, 334, 355, 356, 
416. 
Thomas, jr., 10. 
William, 262. 

Dearborn, , 252. 

Deblois, Gilbert, 84. 

Lewis, 84. 
Deerrield, 92. 
Dehon, Theodore, 84. 
Deighton, Richard, 399. 
Deighton, see also Dighton, 
Dyton. 

Deland, , 162. 

Thomas, 96. 

Derby, Derbey, , 107, 126, 

127, 132, 133, 135, 142, 147, 
151, 155, 156, 159, 176, 178, 
187, 202, 231, 234, 239, 240, 
248, 256, 275, 287-289, 295, 
306, 312, 329, 365, 372, 373 
374, 376, 382, 387, 414. 

, sr., 246. 

Capt., 25, 178. 

E. H., 31, 55, 95, 97, 107, 128, 

131, 151, 159, 180, 189, 209, 

228, 257, 258, 269, 272, 311, 

343, 362, 370, 376, 413. 

E. H.. jr., 228, 263, 298, 300, 

308, 310. 
Elias Hasket, 50, 77, 260, 261, 

345. 
Elizabeth, 95, 97. 
H., 135, 149. 
J., 76, 257. 
John, 100, 136, 176, 320, 328, 

400. 
Nancy, 170. 

R., 132, 149, 230, 239, 287, 376. 
Richard, 17, 50, 127, 131, 136, 

149, 219, 289, 307, 347. 
Richard, jr., 95, 347. 
Capt. Samuel, 263. 

Dexter, , 269. 

Prof., 257, 265. 
Timothy, 391, 392, 395. 

Diamond, , 50. 

Diamond, see also Diman. 

Dickerson, , 244. 

Castor, 72. 

Dighton, , 53, 174, 175. 

Richard, 10, 38. 
Dighton, see also Deighton, 
Dyton. 



A 



INDEX 



431 



Diman, Dimon, , 85, 115, 

122, 138, 141, 145, 155, 187, 

192, 201, 203, 236, 240, 251, 
346-349, 398. 

Rev., xiii, 20, 26, 28, 49, 73, 
79, 100, 126, 135, 137, 176, 
256, 273, 285, 322. 

Caesar Orne, 354. 

Rev. James, ix, x, xi, xlii, 1, 
50, 75, 85, 95, 106, 107, 108, 

193, 346, 347, 354. 

Rev. James, Difficulties with 

East Parish, 22. 
James, jr., 95. 
Lois, 96. 
Mary, 95, 96. 
Polly, 176. 
T., 343. 

Thomas, 10, 40, 50, 96, 97, 125, 
214, 224, 334, 346, 347, 414. 
Timothy, 176. 
Diman, see also Diamond. 

Dodge, , 18, 157, 202, 233, 

240, 311. 
Capt., 16, 39. 
Eunice, 407. 
Capt. G., 17, 372. 
George, 1, 10, 33, 50. 
Capt. George, jr., 9. 
Israel, 32. 
J., 257. 

Joshua, 193, 211,224, 261, 334. 
Malachi, 21. 
Dog, Hairless, 268. 
Donaldson, Adj. Gen., 195. 
Dorson, John, 43. 

Dourville, , 354. 

Dover (Eng.), 17. 
Dover (N. H.), 67. 
Downing, R., 343. 
Drama, 137. 

D rownings, 139, 210, 220, 271, 
362, 370. 

Duane, , 139, 149. 

Duck manufactory, 149,198,202. 
Duer, Col., 367. 
Dummer, Gov., 291. 
Dummer Academy, 159, 182, 
236, 291, 339. 

Dunbar, , 141, 142. 

Rev., 272, 273. 
Asa, 109. 

Duncan, , 279. 

Jenny, 71. 
Nancy, 71, 279. 
Duncklee, Dundee, John, 5, 

119, 136. 
Dunham, , 127. 



Dunn, , 370. 

Dutch, , 116. 

Dwire, , 55. 

Ann, 24. 

Edm., 24. 

Rebecca, 20, 353. 

William, 162. 
Dyton, Richard, 19. 
Dyton, see also Deighton, Digh- 
ton. 

■j? 105. 

Eagle island", 133, 174, 284, 400' 
Earthquake, 338, 360. 
East church, x, 375. 
Difficulties between pastors, x. 
Difficulties with heirs of Rev. 
James Diman, 193, 201, 203, 
205, 236, 256. 
Funds, 269. 

Members, 7, 95, 222, 332. 
Pegs for hats, 357. 
Proprietors, 49. 
Records, 346. 
Singing seats, 330. 
Vane, 126. 
Wardens, 41, 49. 
East India Marine Society, xvi. 
Easterbrook, Rev., 171. 

Easties, , 174. 

Nathaniel, 10. 

Eaton, , 216. 

Ebeley, Eb., 6. 
Ebeling, Prof., xix. 

Ebones, , 403. 

Eckley, , 146. 

Eclipse, 242. 

Edes, , 345. 

Edwards, Dr., 93, 187. 
John, 10, 17, 22, 224, 334. 
Sally, 3. 
T., 258. 
Eels, 146. 

Egout, , 382, 396. 

Egout, see also Igout, Jgout. 

Elcott, , 210. 

Election day, 368. 
Electioneering, 201. 

Eliot, , 47, 194. 

Dr., 52, 116, 141. 
Rev., 211. 
Rev. Andrew, 140. 
Rev. J., 27, 44, 192, 257. 
Rev. John, 205. 

Elkins, , 89, 100, 165, 259, 

267, 269. 
Capt., 71, 91, 176, 192, 197, 
198, 262, 284, 372, 375. 



432 



INDEX 



Elkins, Wid., 18, 165. 

A., 6. 

Capt. E., 84. 

Elizabeth, 95. 

H., 42, 90, 100, 175, 271, 287. 

Harriet, 410. 

Henry, 10, 27, 43, 73, 221, 224, 
274, 334. 

John, 95, 97, 310. 

Mary, 10, 50, 84, 221, 224, 235, 
334. 

Preserved, 25, 271, 372. 

Priscilla, 358. 

Sarah, 10, 48, 50, 95, 97, 224, 
276, 334, 388. 

Thomas, 50, 84. 

W.. 273, 274. 

William, 276. 
Ellis, Mary Pickering, 95. 
Ellison, M., 2, 3. 

Margaret, 340, 416. 

Peggy, 3, 4. 
Elm tree, 43. 
Elson, Wid. Hepsibah, 95. 

Elvin, , 260. 

Elvins, Richard, 346, 347. 

Sarah, 95. 
Emerson, , 65, 93. 

Rev., 93, 171. 

Rev. Joseph, 93. 
Emerton, , 204. 

John, 347. 

Mary, 40. 

Polly, 6, 121. 
Endeavours (ledge), 378. 
Endicott, Endicot, Capt., 396. 

Gov., 375. 

John, 375. 
England, 100, 147. 

English, , 71, 100, 146, 240, 

248, 307, 314, 371. 

Andrew, 190, 224, 334. 

Joseph, 399. 

P. 22. 

Philip, 10, 22, 224, 334, 365, 
399. 
English house, 248. 
Epes, Maj., 364. 
Episcopal church.81,86, 90, 139. 

Liturgy, 41. 
Episcopalians, 140, 196, 197, 
203, 206, 229, 251, 263, 282, 
322, 324, 371. 
Epitaphs, 173. 
Essex bridge, 69, 79, 100, 102, 

104. 
Essex bridge, see also Beverly 
bridge. 



Essex Lodge, F. & A. M., 236, 
237, 245, 256, 263, 271, 296, 
369, 370. 
Essex street, 388. 
Essex street, pavement, 372. 
Estes, see Easties. 
Eulin, Eulen, Wid., 414. 
Edward, 224, 334. 
Mary, 238. 
Eustis, Dr., 271. 
Eveleth, Jo., 298. 

Everett, Everet, , 19, 100, 

211, 362. 
Edward, xxi. 
Rev. O., 257. 
Ewins, Dr., 34. 

Fairfield, Farefield, , 18, 66, 

68, 76, 115, 140, 238, 

Rev. r 66. 

Wid., 126, 414. 

Elizabeth, 95, 97. 

Capt. James, xxxvi. 

John, 10, 28, 50, 95, 97, 224, 
334, 344. 

R., 124. 

Rebecca, 87, 96, 97, 224, 240, 
334. 

W., 22. 

William, 10, 17, 27, 37, 48, 97, 
104, 123, 124, 401. 

Fairweather, , 149. 

Falmouth, 100. 

Farrington, , 3. 

Fast day, 57. 

Faulkner, , 158. 

Favre, Elizabeth, 409. 
Favre, see also Lefavour. 

Fearsen, , 85. 

Felt, , 39. 

John, 96. 

Mary, 96. 
Felton, , 331. 

Nathaniel, 329. 

Fenno, , 209. 

Ferry lane, 243. 

Fielding, , 411. 

Fire clubs, 371, 392, 417. 
Fire engines, 361. 
Fire, Prevention of, 380. 
Fires, Beverly, 149, 154, 167. 

Boston, 59. 

Marblehead, 28, 360. 

Salem,36, 150,239,357,389, 400. 
First Church (Salem) records, 

181. 
Fisher, , 140, 341. 

Rev., 355. 



INDEX 



433 



Fisher, N., 196. 
Nathaniel, 87. 
Fisheries, 368, 376. 
Fishing, 156, 189, 304, 381-383. 
Fiske, , 37, 49, 145, 281,289, 

311, 330, 350, 376, 394. 
Brig., 128. 

Capt., 16, 19, 21, 22, 51. 

Col., 117, 118, 122-124. 

Gen., 131, 137, 151, 159, 165, 
176, 182, 186, 191, 193, 209, 
215, 240, 243, 244, 246, 270, 

312, 319, 326, 353, 356, 365, 
367, 381, 402, 403. 

Maj. Gen., 375. 

Eev., 272, 273. 

B. G., 303. 

G., 209, 308, 363, 371. 

J., 18, 77. 

Jo., 99. 

John, xxxvii, 3, 10, 24, 50, 79, 
107, 146, 224, 334, 341, 403. 

Lydia, 22, 95, 176. 

Nancy G., 320. 

Peggy, 402, 403. 

Kev. S., 150. 
Flagg, , 173. 

Dr., 258. 
Flags, Military, 215, 310. 
Flint, Flynt, , 26. 

Dr., xiii. 

Wid. Susannah, 95. 

Flood, , 216. 

Folger, , 176, 183. 

Foot, Foote, , 19, 260. 

Wid., 98, 414. 

Anna, 95, 97. 

Anne, 396. 

Malachi, xli, 346. 

Mary, 49, 95, 251. 

P., 57. 

Pasca 101. 

Samuel, 10, 95, 97, 224, 334, 
346, 347. 
Football, 254. 

Forbes, , 36, 113, 285, 359, 

371, 414. 

Rev., xi, 75, 76, 106, 166, 167, 
377, 385, 395. 

Dorothy, 84. 

Rev. E., 257. 

John, 11, 224, 288, 289. 
Ford, , 25, 117, 192. 

Capt., 293. 
Forrest river, 373. 
Forrester, , 365. 

Capt., 232, 364, 398. 
Fort at Brattleborough, 94. 



Foster, , 21, 213, 230, 231. 

Col., 148. 
Benjamin, 392. 
C, 343. 
Lydia, 344. 
N., 343. 
Robert, 237, 298. 

Fothergill, , 367. 

Fourth of July celebrations,378. 

Fowle, Fowles, , 133, 168, 

257, 324. 
Henry, 132. 
Sarah, 10, 16, 26, 95. 

Fowler, , 119, 376. 

Fox, Ruth, 329. 

Foxcroft, , 278. 

Foy, Foye, Ebenezer, 4. 

William, 10, 11, 28, 57, 224, 
260, 334. 
Francis, Capt., 215. 
Lt. Col., 148. 

Francois, , 286, 317. 

Joseph, 10. 

Franklin, , 317, 322. 

Dr., 142, 164, 168, 293, 306. 
Temple, 168. 
Franklin stove, 150. 

Franks, Frank, , 16, 162, 

247. 
Hannah, 409. 

Joseph, 10, 224, 276, 334, 409. 
Martha, 416. 
Patty, 4. 
Rachel, 4, 276, 416. 

Frazer, Fraser, , 211, 232. 

« Freeman, , 34, 68, 133, 187, 

190, 194, 195, 201, 211, 235, 
268, 269, 311, 323, 356, 397. 
. Rev., 107, 111, 112, 216, 262, 
271, 279, 383. 
B„ 196. 
Bob, 292. 

Catherine, 295, 300. 
Rev. J., 80, 81, 257. 
James, xiv, xv, xxxix, 81, 82, 

83, 84, 86, 87. 
Kate, 292. 
Mingo, 311. 
Freemasonry, 33, 43, 55, 114, 
236, 237, 245, 270, 296, 311, 
331 379. 

French,' '-, 406, 411, 412. 

Rev., 76, 242, 402. 
Jonathan, 258. 
Joseph, 409. 

Joshua, 10, 17, 201, 224, 334, 
363, 409. 
Frenchmen in Salem, 396. 



434 



INDEX 



Freneau, , 354. 

Friend, Patty, 109. 

Priscilla, 109. 

Frisbie, Frisbee, , 89, 166, 

249. 

Rev., 76. 
Frye, Fry, , 242. 

Elizabeth, 401. 

Mary, 95. 
Fry's hill, 241. 
Fuller, , 123, 300. 

Rev., 385. 

E., 121. 

Mary, 417. 

Fulsom, , 206. 

Funding system, 286. 
Funeral of Mr. Diman, 106. 
Funerals, 72, 150, 155, 166, 174, 
194, 205, 211, 215, 219, 236, 
353, 371, 377, 393, 405. 
Furber, , 370, 371. 

R., 47. 

Richard, 10. 

G., , 105. 

Gaffer, , 172. 

Gaines, , 17, 100, 111, 229, 

257, 264. 
J., 343. 

Josiah, 11, 224, 335. 
Gall, Wid., 95. 
Wid. Anna, 11, 16, 40, 97,224, 

334. 
Benjamin, 11, 18, 26, 33, 40, 

401, 410. 
Mrs. L., 6. 

Martha, 26, 40, 224, 234, 396, 
410. 

Gallatin, , 37, 88. 

Albert, xx. 
Games, 253. 

Gannett, , 342. 

Gardens, 180, 373, 398. 

Gardiner, , 36, 58, 100, 126, 

146, 229, 236, 239, 257, 264, 
320, 376, 380. 
Capt., 266, 319. 
Wid., 184,257. 
B., 343. 

Benjamin, 224, 335. 
Capt. J., 150. 
John, 146, 233. 
Jonathan, 146, 235, 243. 
Wid. Mary, 236. 

Gardner, , 46, 55, 69, 70, 

101, 109, 232, 236, 278, 298, 
345, 391, 394. 
Capt., 414. 



Gardner, Rev., 172. 
Wid., 95. 
B., 257. 

Benjamin, 11, 20, 59, 126. 
George, 181. 

John, 147, 235, 249, 375, 376. 
Jonathan, xxxvii, 244. 
Wid. Mary, 97. 
Samuel, 181. 
Samuel, jr., 180. 
Thomas, 181. 
Gardner's mills, 130, 281, 373. 

Gardoqui, , 17. 

Gatchell, , 160. 

Gay, , 139, 149. 

Dr., 57. 
Eb.,402. 
Gayton, Polly, 404. 
Gennis, Peter, 334. 
German Town, 149. 

Gerrish, , 381. 

John, 346, 347. 

Gerry, , 394. 

E., 209. 
Elbridge, 281. 
Geyer, Rev., 164. 

Gibaut, , 4, 40, 44, 100, 107, 

111, 118, 156, 187, 231, 233, 
306, 315, 396. 
Capt., 20, 55, 71, 106, 161, 

164, 165. 
E., 18. 
Edw., 97. 
Capt. Edward, 11, 31, 50, 95, 

193, 224, 335. 
Capt. J., 228, 257. 
John, 31, 36, 63, 111, 178. 
Sarah, 95, 97. 

Gibbs, Gibbes, , 387, 388. 

Giles, Gyles, Capt, 160, 246. 

E., 302. 
Gill, Wid., 17. 
Anna, 410. 
John, 97, 

Priscilla, 11,96,97,224,335,358. 
Sarah, 410. 
Gloucester, 123, 195, 265, 300. 
Glover, Col., 309. 

Sally, 37. 
Gluttony, 210. 

Godfrey, , 48. 

Goodale's spring, 183. 
Goodell, Goodale, Goodall, 

, 245, 313, 403, 412, 417. 

B., 412. 
Bart., 404. 
J., 343. 
Nathan, 150. 



INDEX 



435 



Goodhue, , 115, 200, 202, 

205, 213, 367. 

Hon., 193, 219. 

B., 131, 258, 390. 

Benjamin, 112, 148. 

William, 354. 

Goodman, , 172. 

Gooseberries (islands), 284. 
Gordon, Dr., 92. 

Margaret, 26. 
Gore, , 300. 

Christopher, 150. 
Gould, , 215, 242. 

Jonathan, 224, 335. 

Grabe, , 58. 

Gracie, , 78. 

Grafton, , 77, 82, 216. 

Joshua, 77. 
Graham, Maccauley, 308. 

Grammond, , 326. 

Grand Turk (ship),261, 343,354. 
Grant, , 327. 

Francis, 11, 209, 224, 331, 334. 

Francis, jr., 224. 

Mary, 22. 

Primus, 122, 242. 

Violet, 236, 240. 
Grave opening, 263. 
Gravestones, 386. 

Gray, , 36, 122, 140, 151, 

289, 306, 327, 350, 387, 389. 

Benjamin, 346, 347. 

Francis Calley, 163. 

James, 66. 

W., 229, 258, 291, 316, 339, 
343, 358, 376. 

W., jr., 372. 

William, 113, 151, 163, 202, 
257. 

William, jr., 84. 
Great Pasture swamp, 161. 
Green, , 102, 176, 280. 

Capt., 413. 

Kev. Aaron, xi. 

James D., xi. 

Joseph, 375. 

Samuel, 285. 
Greenfield, 93. 
Greenland, 67. 
Greenleaf, , 115, 172, 395. 

Madam, 37. 

Dr. John, 37. 
Greenwood, Elizabeth, 224, 334. 

Miles, 7. 
Greigs, H., 103. 
Griffin, Mary, 43. 
Griffith, Dr. David, 126. 
Grifford, , 16. 



Groce, , 2, 325,327, 328,394. 

Grooves, , 72. 

Guild, , 415. 

Gullager, , 158. 

Gunnison, Gunerson, Gunner- 
son, , 5, 11, 18, 19, 29, 

32, 133, 340. 
Elisha, 2, 11, 18, 32, 39, 132. 
Hannah, 29, 40. 
John, 11, 20, 22, 40, 62, 122, 
132, 193, 224, 240, 281, 335. 
Mary, 1, 132, 135. 

H., Capt., 87. 
Hacker, , 188. 

Ebenezer, 21. 
Hadley, 55, 93. 

Hale, , 37, 159, 187, 291. 

Hall, , 30, 206. 

Capt. Spence, 148, 157. 
Hallowell, xv. 
Hamilton, , 258, 322. 

Alexander, xxix. 
Hamilton, 249. 

Hammond, , 392. 

Hampton (N. H.), 372. 
Hampton Falls (N. H.), 67. 
Hancock, , 52, 121. 

Gov., 247, 317, 322, 358. 
Haraden, Harraden, , 96. 

M., 176. 
Harbor frozen, 146. 

Harbort, Harbord, , 101, 

102, 316. 
Harbort, see also Herbert. 
Hardwick, 94. 
Hardy, , 44, 51, 147, 316. 

John, 179. 

Joseph, 346. 

Lydia, 95. 

Ruth, 95. 
Hardy's rock, 378. 

Hare, , 403, 412, 417. 

Harkin, , 258, 267. 

Harrington, , 19, 172, 173. 

Rev., 172. 

Elisha, 403. 

John Allen, 11. 

Joseph Allen, 1. 

Harris, , 124, 132, 155, 170, 

228, 229, 299, 311, 394, 400. 

Rev., 320, 367. 

Rev. N., 323. 

T. M.,257. 

Thaddaeus Mason, 214. 
Harry (negro), 139. 
Hart, , 34. 

Dr., 407. 



436 



INDEX 



Hart, John, 335. 

Joseph, 225. 
Harthorne, see Hathorne. 
Hartshorne, , 414. 

T., 298. 
Harvard College, ix, xi, xix, 
xxi, 170, 187, 243, 252, 277, 
278, 382. 
Haskell, Haskoll, , 301, 340. 

Wid., 20. 

Wid. Hannah, 11, 50, 96. 
Haskins, John, 84. 
Haslet, Rev., 17. 
Hatch, , 176. 

0., 76. 
Hatfield, 93. 
Hathorne, Hathorn, Harthorne, 

Hawthorne, , 22, 132, 

183. 

Madam, 381. 

Maj., 181, 195, 240, 256, 356, 
390, 400. 

Wid., 147. 

Susannah, 132, 196, 225, 258, 
335. 

Wid. Susey, 11. 

Maj. John, 132. 

W., 343. 
Hatteras, Cape, 148. 
Haven, , 177. 

Dr., 64. 
Haverhill, 116, 149, 197, 199,259. 
Hawkes, , 158. 

Benjamin, 335. 

Mary, 4, 416. 
Hawthorne, see Hathorne. 
Hay scales, 125. 

Hayes, Hays, , 263, 269. 

Hazlehurst, , 384. 

Hazlitt, Hazlet, , 19, 20,21, 

33-35, 40, 43, 100. 

Rev., 268. 

William, xv, 21. 
Heard, Luke, 5, 119, 121, 136. 
Hearsy, Dr., 178. 
Heat and cold, 142. 
Hemmenway, , 65, 316. 

Dr., 38. 
Henderson, Benjamin, 123, 286, 

300. 
Henfield, C, 205. 

Edmund, 95, 150, 347. 

Lydia Hardy, 95. 
Herbert, Capt. Benjamin, 101. 

Elizabeth, 95. 
Herbert, see also Harbort. 

Herod, , 259. 

Herrick, , 28, 185. 



Herrick, Barnabas, 11, 102, 225, 
335. 

Jacob, 103. 

Lydia, 5, 119, 408. 

Mary, 408. 

Reter, 6. 

Polly, 5, 119. 
Heussler, George, 374. 

Heyward, , 57. 

Higgins, Abijah, 22. 
Higginson, - — -, 181. 

Col., 239. 

Rev., 272. 

Rev., jr., 272, 273. 

Rev., sr., 272, 273. 

Stephen, 90. 
Hill, ,146, 210. 

Capt., 167. 

Benjamin, 11. 

Elizabeth, 411. 

John, 11, 100, 225, 335, 377, 
411. 

Mary, 126. 
Hiller, , 17, 90, 369, 414. 

Maj., 55, 310, 345, 350. 

J., 258, 418. 

Jo., 237. 

Joseph, xxxviii, 33, 43, 114, 
237, 263, 272, 298. 

M., 193. 

Hillert, , 199. 

Hilliard, Hiliard, , 18, 19, 

141, 366, 396. 

Rev., 167. 

D., 343. 

David, 17, 19, 24, 95, 97, 141, 
145. 

John, 19. 

Lydia, 24. 

Mary, 95, 97. 
Hinchman, Rev., 142. 
Hinckley, Capt., 138. 

Hinds, , 57. 

Hiscomb, Jude Wilkie, 71. 

Hitchborn, , 47. 

Hitchins, Abijah, 11, 20, 83, 
225, 335, 365, 399. 

Amos, 11. 

Nathaniel, 11. 

S., 3. 

Sarah, 340. 
Hoar, Lt. Daniel, 171. 
Hobbes, , 17. 

Wid. Mary, 17. 
Sarah, 11, 96. 

Hodgdon, Hodgedon, , 57. 

Wid., 11, 20, 98, 260. 
Martha, 19, 225. 



INDEX 



437 



Hodgdon, Wid. Mary, 335. 
Hodges, , 44, 70, 76, 81, 84, 

96, 100, 103, 109, 145, 165, 

173, 179, 181, 220, 256, 326, 
327, 330, 376, 411, 412. 

Capt., 51, 61, 62, 81, 88, 115, 

174, 175, 202, 289, 291. 

B., 18, 106, 111, 118, 177, 236, 

237, 257, 267, 293, 346, 350, 

402, 405. 
Benjamin, xxxviii, 11, 27, 42, 

43, 50, 51, 78, 97, 107, 125, 

127, 179, 225, 298, 335, 345, 

407. 
G., 251. 
Gamaliel, 8, 128, 164, 179, 

180, 225, 335, 347, 349, 408. 
George, 11, 70, 180, 181, 225, 

335 
H., 306, 372. 
Hannah, xxxviii, 22, 63, 95, 

97, 98, 123, 372, 400. 
Jack (negro), 409. 
Jo., 293. 

Capt. John, 11, 22, 50, 76, 
107, 109, 165, 181, 225, 232, 
386, 409. 
Jonathan, 400. 
Capt. Joseph, 11, 335. 
Lydia, 124, 341. 
M., 411. 
Margaret, 409. 
Mary, 113, 408, 409. 
Polly, 405. 
K., 42. 

Richard, 11, 37, 76, 79, 124. 
Sarah, 76, 269, 370, 383. 
Hoit, see Hoyt. 

Hollandgren, , 309. 

Hollis, , 52. 

Holman, Capt., 240. 
Dea., 402. 
Polly, 4. 

Holmes, , 289. 

Kev., 320. 

Holt, . 164, 167, 175, 204, 

246, 364. 
Rev., 18, 21, 30, 62, 75, 76, 85, 
167, 240, 363, 371, 393, 400. 
Kev. Nathan, 246, 385, 386. 
Nicholas, 385. 
Holten, Dr., 217. 
Judge, 216. 

Holyoke, , 69, 70, 233, 402, 

412. 
Dr., 59, 120, 148, 149, 247, 
250, 257, 326, 332, 342, 343, 
405, 412, 413. 



Holyoke, Rev., 241, 402. 

Betsey, 120. 

Homan, Homans, , 158, 198, 

215, 304. 

Capt. W., 258. 
Homer, , 190, 289. 

Rev. J., 257. 
Hood, , 125, 320. 

Patty, 217. 
Hooper, , 48, 93, 104. 

Benjamin, 87. 

Robert, 169, 243. 

S., 116. 
Hop poles, 232. 

Hopkins, , 21, 89, 161, 164, 

166, 176, 236, 243, 251, 341. 

Rev., 26, 76, 85, 147, 150, 316, 
355, 388. 

Rev. D., 314. 

S., 313. 
Hopkinson, Judge, 168. 
Hopkintonians, 104, 160, 196. 
Horton, , 51, 206. 

John, 4, 416. 

Sally, 4, 416. 

Sarah, 209. 
Hosmer, , 257, 323. 

Capt., 405. 

Hannah, 269. 

Joseph, 225, 335, 360. 
Hour glass, xlii. 
Houses and buildings, 101, 109, 
122, 126, 132, 179, 184, 186, 
188, 190, 197, 307-309, 328, 
364, 373. 
Hovey, ,27, 157, 159, 395,404. 

A., 6. 

Amos, 88, 335, 407. 
Howard, Rev., 313. 

Capt. S., 310. 

Howe, How, , 91, 92. 

Howell, D„ 310. 

Hoyt, Hoit, , 61, 370. 

Maj., 48. 

Moses, 200. 

Hubbard, , 89, 104, 108, 140, 

175, 217, 301, 314. 

Rev., 137. 216, 304. 

Rev. E., 146. 

Rev. Ebenezer, 75. 

Hubon, , 115. 

Humming birds, 186. 
Hunscombs, James, 11. 

Hunt, , 42, 91, 362, 363, 370, 

371, 383. 

M., 3. 

Mary, 5, 340. 

Polly, 3. 



438 



INDEX 



Hunt, S., 257. 

Susannah, 363. 

Huntington, , 291, 316, 382, 

388. 

Dr., 250, 259. 

Rev., 177, 273. 

Hurd, , 291. 

Hussey, Hussy, , 218, 283. 

Hutcheson, , 41. 

B., 121. 

Benjamin, 6, 121, 136, 356. 

Mary, 41. 

Thomas, 11. 
Hutchinson, Hutchingson, 

Gov., 146. 

Benjamin, 335. 

Wid. Mary, 95, 97, 225, 335. 

Shrimpton, 82. 

Thomas, 95, 97. 

W.,3. 

William, 341. 

Ice in harbor, 146. 

Igout, , 396. 

Igout, see also Egout, Jgout. 
Illegitimacy, 133, 138, 163. 
Incendiary, 239. 
India, Native of, 228. 
Indians, 37, 48, 233. 

Ingersoll, Ingersol, , 122, 

125, 131, 180, 237, 364, 376. 

Capt., 7, 27, 118, 191, 341, 384. 

Ebenezer, 407. 

Elizabeth, 137. 

Hannah, 96. 

Capt. J., 263, 

John, 26, 96. 

Jonathan, 77, 219, 231, 232, 
364, 376. 

S., 18, 127, 176,257, 375, 395, 
400. 

Samuel, 11, 27,50, 62, 96, 107, 
124, 137, 225,258,335. 

Susannah, 407. 
Insanity, 121, 244, 275. 
Intemperance, 167, 175,217,218, 

244, 247, 248, 255, 256, 281, 371. 
Ipswich, 123. 

Ireland, , 4. 

Ivers, James, 84. 
Ives, , 40, 97, 290. 

Capt., 151, 239, 372. 

Wid., 121. 

Benjamin, 9, 95, 346. 

Charlotte, 121. 

Wid. Elizabeth, 95. 

Mary, 95, 97. 

Thomas, 40. 



Jack, , 315. 

Jackson, , 103, 106, 115,116, 

130, 168, 200, 249, 296, 300, 
314, 370, 392. 

Rev., 278. 

Charles, 69. 

E., 40. 

H., 71. 

Jonathan, 80, 150, 258. 
Jacobs, D., 343, 354. 
Jail, 288. 

Jail at Concord, 170. 
James, , 206, 291.. 

Dr., 185. 
James (negro), 412, 417. 

Jarvis, , 158. 

Jay, , 168, 362. 

Jefferson, President, xx, xxi. 

Jeffrey, Jeffries, Jeffry, , 

350, 375, 394, 397. 

Dr., 17. 

Elizabeth, 206. 

James, jr., 225, 335, 388. 

Jude, 396. 

Judith, 216. 

Susannah, 126, 315. 

Walter, 225, 335. 

William, 206. 
Jenks, Jenkes, ,133,256,414. 

J., 263, 272, 298. 

John, 237. 
Jennison, , 346, 347, 348. 

Rev., 135, 273. 

Samuel, 135. 

Jgout, , 359, 363, 382. 

Jgout, see also Egout, Igout. 

Johnson, , 58, 195, 218, 287, 

307, 309, 388. 

B., 217, 218. 

Benjamin, 292. 

Capt. Holden, 142. 
Johonnot, Col., 58. 
Jones, . 117, 171. 

Capt., 219. 

Judge, 94. 

Jordy, , 361, 362, 372. 

Joy, Joseph, 153, 225, 335. 

Judd, , xi. 

Judson, Jutson, , 161, 243, 

419. 

Rev., 108, 177. 

Rev. Adoniram, 418. 

K., M., 403. 
Katty (negro), 401. 

Keefe, , 4. 

Keene, , 21, 27, 70, 173. 

Hannah, 399. 



INDEX 



439 



Keene, T.,16. 

Thomas, 12, 21, 26, 28, 71, 83, 
102, 225, 320, 325, 335. 
Kehou, Kaehou, Kehoe, Eliza- 
beth, 214. 

Samuel, 225, 229, 335. 
Keir, James, 306. 

Kendrick, , 382. 

Kennebunk, 66. 

Kennedy, , 89. 

Kenrick, , 152. 

Capt., 76. 

Kent, , 116. 

Kentuckey, 137. 

Kettle, , 220. 

Kilham, , 116, 149, 150. 

Daniel, 250, 258. 
Killog, Rev., 316. 
Kimball, , 58, 116, 354, 402. 

Capt., 12, 17, 18, 344. 

Wid., 26. 

E., 18. 

Edmund, 12, 122, 124. 

Emme, 102, 123. 

Paul, 346, 347. 

Wid. Sarah, 12. 

T., 342. 

King, , 57, 96, 172, 373, 414, 

415. 

Dr., 90. 

Wid., 18,98,414. 

Daniel, 182. 

Elizabeth, 96, 409. 

Hannah, 96. 

J., 256, 272, 372. 

James, 237, 298. 

Joseph, 12, 88-90. 

Lydia, 2, 12, 90, 225, 274, 335. 

Mary, 96. 

Rebecca, 97. 

Sarah, 90. 

W., 385. 

William, 2, 6, 12, 26-28, 81, 
96, 97, 158, 225, 335, 372, 
401, 409. 
King's chapel, Boston, xiv. 
Kippis, Dr., 51. 
Kite, 254. 
Kitteridge, , 39, 275. 

Dr., 120, 121, 241, 242. 

Dr. Benjamin, 192. 

Sukey, 121. 
Kittery, 64. 
Knapp, Knap, , 4, 236, 364. 

Wid., 414. 

Anna, 4, 416. 

John, 12, 347. 

Mary, 12, 95, 225, 335. 



Knapp, Samuel, 401. 

William, 4, 416. 
Kneeland, Hannah, 217. 
Knight, Knights, , 7, 16. 

Capt., 16, 43, 139, 296. 

Wid., 12. 

Capt. Benjamin, 12, 27, 225, 
313, 335. 

Mary, 401. 

Nathaniel, 12, 95, 97, 347. 

Sarah, 79, 95, 97, 183, 184, 188, 
225, 335, 403. 
Knowles, N., 6. 
Knowlton, , 5, 157, 245. 

Ab., 123. 

N., 6, 114, 121. 

Nathaniel, 12, 77. 
Knox, Gen., 146. 

Lacey, , 26. 

Safford, 95. 

Wid. Sarah, 95. 

Lambert, , 17, 21, 100, 111, 

119, 126. 

, jr., 19, 360. 

Capt., 66, 122, 192, 229, 230. 

Capt., jr., 28. 

Wid., 414. 

Abigail, 114, 122. 

J., 236, 258. 

J., jr., 22. 

J., sr., 18. 

Jonathan, 401. 

Joseph, 63, 191, 225, 237, 335, 
401. 

Capt. Joseph, jr., 12, 27, 50. 

Capt. Joseph, sr., 12, 50. 

M., 17. 

Margaret, 229. 

Mary, 12, 26, 40, 55, 88, 192, 
225, 235, 335. 

P., 51. 

Preserved, 229. 

Priscilla, 63. 
Lancaster, 157, 170, 171, 172. 
Landaff, Bishop of, 53. 
Lander, , 5, 57, 205. 

Capt., 115, 307. 

Wid., 98, 414. 

Jonathan, 162, 204. 

Joseph, 70. 

Mary, 192, 225, 236, 335. 

Sarah, 205. 
Lane, , 153, 184, 252, 367. 

M., 3. 

Mary, 341. 

Nicholas, 30, 87, 225, 231,335. 

Polly, 3, 5. 



440 



INDEX 



Lane, S., 3. 

Sally, 3, 5. 

Sarah, 341. 

Lang, , 32, 37, 72, 88, 188, 

313, 315, 360, 414. 

E., 272, 298. 

Edw., 237. 

M., 257. 

Simon, 272. 

W., 315. 

William, 43, 193. 
Langdon, , 21. 

Dr., 63, 233. 
Languages, Study of, 43. 
Larkin, , 38, 109, 415. 

Wid. Ab., 414. 
Lascell, Lazell, , 12, 20. 

George, 225, 335. 
Laskin, A., 57. 

Ab., 98. 

Thomas, 346. 
Lathe, , 30. 

Josh., 6. 
Lathrop, , 66, 211. 

Dr., 41, 44, 45, 133, 187, 194, 
257, 265. 

Kev., ix. 
Lathrop, see also Lothrop. 

Latour, , 72, 277. 

Lauchlin. Mary, 40. 

Laughlin, , 12. 

Laughton, see Lawton. 
Launching, 256,261,306,369,406. 
Lawrence, , 414. 

Abel, 237, 298. 
Lawton, Laughton, , 265. 

Capt., 271. 
Lazell, see Lascell. 
Leach, Leich, , 310. 

E., 24. 

Ebenezer, 6, 119. 

John, 347. 

Wid. Mary, 225, 335. 

R., 154. 

S., 121. 

Samuel, 5, 119, 136. 
Leavitt, Dr., 214. 

Rev., 273. 

Joshua, 27, 28,75. 

T., 6. 

Le Croix, , 85. 

Leddel, Henry, 84. 

Lee, , 39, 190, 206, 234, 249, 

268, 302, 359. 

Col., 303, 305. 

Maj., 126. 

Hannah, 209, 360. 

Jesse, 386. 



Leechman, Dr., 29. 

Lefaveur, LeFavre, , 5, 136, 

228, 231, 364, 389, 411. 

Amos, 3, 4, 126, 225, 232, 251, 
335, 364, 416. 

Mrs. Betsey, 5. 

Elizabeth, 409. 

Leibetter, , 135. 

LeMoine, Capt., 269. 
Leonard, Dr. E., 148. 

Leslie, , 232, 357. 

Letchmore, , 395. 

Lexington (Ky.), 137. 

Libby, , 65. 

Libel, 349. 

Libraries, 147, 151, 152. 

Curwen's Library, 136. 

Philosophical Library, 152, 
159. 

Social Library, 151. 
Licentiousness, 240, 255, 256. 
Light-houses, 97. 
Lightening, 190, 280, 309. 
Lincoln, , 121. 

Gen., 55, 328. 

Levi, xxxix. 

Lindsey, , 33. 

Liscombe, , 49, 216, 375. 

Little, , 65, 406. 

Dr., 375, 409-413, 415. 

D., 363. 

Littlefield, , 64, 65. 

Livingston, Rev., 322. 
Lloyd, Henry, 84. 

James, 84. 
Lobster rocks, 380. 
Londonderry (N. H.), 72. 

Long, , 21. 

Long wharf, 143, 146. 
Longeway, Jeremiah, 162. 
Longueray, Joseph, 162. 
Lord, , 183. 

Abigail, 181. 

William, 180. 
Loring, , 27, 327. 

Capt., 273, 325. 

Capt. Jo., 243. 

Joseph, 6, 25, 28. 
Lothrop, Dr., 42. 

Rev. 310. 
Lothrop, see also Lathrop. 
Lotteries, 157, 189, 231, 236, 237, 

258. 
Louis (negro), 401. 
Lovett, Lovitt, Capt. , 167- 

Capt. John, 353. 

Capt. John, 3d, 353. 
Lowell, Judge , 233, 300. 



INDEX 



441 



Lowell, John, 1, 150. 
Lufkin, Mary, 85. 
Lumbering in Maine, 65. 
Luscomb, Luscombe, , 210. 

Samuel, xlii. 
Lyman, Rev., 64. 
Lynde, , 181. 

Judge, 174, 229, 332. 

Wid., 174. 

Benjamin, 146. 
Lynn, 72, 195, 203, 209, 212, 216, 
218, 234, 242, 247, 249, 251, 
255, 280, 282, 283, 242, 314, 
399. 
Lynn farms, 372. 
Lynnfleld, 183, 212. 
Lyon, , 251. 

Mably, Abbe de, xxxvii. 

Macclintock, Macclentock, , 

67, 331, 339. 
Dr., 324. 
Rev., 322. 

McDaniel, , 325. 

Mary, 325. 
McDemer, Mrs. P., 6. 
MacDonald, Mary, 2. 
McGrau, Macgrau, McGrew, 
Wid. E., 16. 
Wid. Elisabeth, 11, 226, 336. 
Macgregory, McGregore, John, 
11, 16, 33, 100, 226, 336. 

Mackay, Mackey, , 243, 

404. 
D., 342. 
McKeen, McKeene, Mackeen, 

, 37, 72, 89, 175, 178, 

195, 265, 300, 301, 359, 363. 
Rev., 21, 32, 75, 76, 85, 103, 

216, 363, 404. 
Joseph,20. 
MacMillon, Capt., 210. 
McPherson, Capt., 380. 
Madison, Bishop, xx. 

James, xxi. 
Madras, Native of, 228. 
Magazines, Massachusetts, 115. 
Maine, Separation, 249. 
Malcolm, David, 225, 336. 
Hannah, 138. 

Maley, , 249, 250, 259, 274, 

311. 
Capt., 271, 361. 
Benjamin, 408. 
Elizabeth, 410. 
Lydia, 243, 319, 358, 361, 372. 
Manchester, 166, 206, 209, 212, 
215, 359. 



Manning, , 123, 229, 236, 

248, 268, 322, 326, 358, 365, 
389. 
Dr., 310. 
Rev., 282. 
B., jr., 281. 
E.,3. 

Elizabeth, 341. 
Jacob, xli, 12. 
M., 3. 
Mary, 341. 
R., 119, 257. 
Richard, 12, 13, 50, 84, 107, 

157, 193, 336, 382. 
Richard, jr., 38, 88, 135, 225, 

328, 336. 
Capt. Richard, sr., 225. 
Samuel, 346, 347. 
Sarah, 221, 229. 
William, 407. 

Mansfield, , 210, 248, 251, 

258, 314, 322. 
Rev., 363. 
Edey, 95. 
Ellis, 62. 
H., 57, 184. 
Hannah, 13, 95, 97, 98. 
Margaret, 95. 
Mary, 95. 
Paul, 347. 
Susannah, 95. 
Manuel, Margaret, 311. 
Marblehead, 28, 33, 48, 89, 90, 
108, 124, 130, 131, 137, 139, 
140, 145, 146, 148, 157, 161, 
188, 195, 212, 251, 281, 287, 
303-305, 314, 360, 361. 
Marblehead Academy, 137, 367, 

384. 
Marbles, 254. 

March, , 358. 

Mario, , 326. 

Market in Salem, 392, 413. 
Market prices, 136, 215. 
Marsh, Elizabeth, 83, 84, 98. 
John, 12. 
Mary, 409. 

Marshall, , 168. 

Marston, Mercy, 417, 
Capt. William, 216. 

Martin, , 38. 

David, 336. 
J., 391. 
Knot, 108. 
Mary, 364. 
Mascoll, Maskell, Maskoll, Han- 
nah, 5, 12, 20, 225, 336. 
John, 95, 347. 



442 



INDEX 



Mascoll, Joseph, 347. 

Mason, , 18, 81, 96, 100, 104, 

111, 121, 145, 182, 249, 359, 

370, 372. 

, jr., 100. 

Capt., 89, 101, 167, 220, 314, 

319, 365, 413. 
Elizabeth, 97, 153, 248, 270, 

274, 358, 408. 
Eunice, 96. 
J., 17, 311, 349. 
J., jr., 18, 281. 
J., sr., 18, 402. 
Jonathan, 28, 43, 75, 95, 97, 

104, 126, 134, 143, 144, 153, 

219, 225, 237, 274, 298, 357, 

358, 372, 376, 408. 
Jonathan, jr., 12, 26, 27, 153, 

225, 229, 293, 336, 398. 
Jonathan, sr., 12,50, 146, 176, 

244, 335. 
Jonathan, 2d, 97. 
L., 6. 

Lydia, 60, 78. 
Mary, 408. 
Susannah, 95, 97. 
Thomas, 146, 229, 230. 
W. 115 252. 
William, 75,'ll3, 139, 178, 190, 

322. 
Masonry, see Freemasonry. 
Massachusetts Historical Soci- 
ety, 233. 
Masury, , 39, 40, 57, 255, 

260, 417. 
Wid., 98, 414. 
Ab., 57, 414. 
Abigail, 13, 63, 98. 
Benjamin, 95, 347. 
Deliverance, 13, 225, 336. 
E., 38. 
J., 342. 

James, 13, 225, 336. 
John, 12, 225, 336, 414. 
Jonathan, 413. 
Lydia, 164, 313. 
M., 57. 

Wid. Marcy, 260. 
Mary, 98, 414. 
Wid. Mercy, 225, 336. 
Richard, 12, 50, 109. 
S., 20. 

Samuel, 12, 25, 40, 226, 336. 
Sarah, 38, 39. 
T., 20. 
Thomas, 226, 336, 347. 

Mather, , 42, 93. 

Dr., 44, 134, 272. 



Mattoon, , 95. 

Mrs. Elizabeth (Meservy), 26. 

Hubartus, 26. 
Maxcy, Rev. Jonathan, 310. 
Levi, 2. 

May, , 271. 

Mayfield, Lydia, 344. 
Mayhew, , 123, 282. 

Dr., 52, 213, 230, 231. 
Medals, 72, 76, 89. 
Medfield, 164. 
Medford, 75, 128. 

Melece, , 404. 

Mellen, , 40, 91. 

Merrimac river, 199, 242, 350. 
Merrimack, 406. 
Meservey, Maservey, Meservy, 
Messervey, , 49. 

Wid., 12. 

Wid. Anne, 226, 336. 

Elizabeth, 26, 95. 

Nanny, 53. 

Metcalf, , 402, 404, 415. 

Meteor, 73. 

Meteorology, xix. 

Methodists, 185, 234, 268, 280, 

292, 302. 
Methuen, 275. 
Michael (negro), 353. 
Middleton, 120, 212, 215. 
Military reviews, 106, 127, 130, 
195, 197, 200, 204, 215, 295, 
303 310 312. 
Militia,' 148,' 194*, 195, 215, 240, 

243, 293, 303, 310, 312. 
Miller, Wid. E., 18. 

Elizabeth, 220. 
Millett, Millet, , 17, 102. 

Benjamin, 4, 416. 

Wid. E., 12. 

Elizabeth, 13, 131, 225, 336. 

Jonathan, 12, 202. 

Jonathan, jr., 225, 336. 

Jonathan, sr., 225, 336. 

Polly, 3. 

Sarah, 2, 22. 

William, 336. 
Milton, , 326. 

Rev. Charles W., 382. 

M., 291. 
Milton, 202, 246. 
Minot, G. R., 257. 
Minyer, Jean Jacques, 35. 
Mitchell, Samuel L., xxxix. 
Molasses, 381. 
Molloy, , 72. 

William, 124. 
Money, Paper, 99. 



INDEX 



443 



Montague, , 362. 

William, 87. 
Monville, Duval de, 35, 36, 292, 
296. 

Moody, , 159. 

Moriarty, , 213, 216. 

Morin, , 291. 

Morrill, Morril, , 177. 

Rev., 76. 

Morse, , 187. 

Morton, , 269. 

Moses, , 75, 101, 370, 371. 

Capt., 28, 40, 75. 

John, 386. 

Joseph, 210, 211, 363, 369. 

Motley, , 91. 

Mottey, Motte, Moty, , 354. 

Rev., 216. 
Mulberry trees, 373. 

Munro, , 282. 

Murphy, , 115, 320. 

Capt., 192, 311, 312. 

David, 409. 

Murray, , 25, 60, 61, 102, 

115, 132, 251, 259, 313, 326, 
364. 

Rev., 264, 267, 313, 316, 317. 

Wid., 20, 98. 

Andrew, 110. 

Eliza, 201, 202. 

Wid. Elizabeth, 102, 225, 336. 

H., 57. 

Hannah, 12, 18, 95, 97, 98, 414. 

J., 35, 36. 

John, 85, 87, 107, 111, 112, 
113, 250, 367. 

Jonathan, 95, 97. 

Joseph, 410. 

Lydia, 103, 225, 336. 

Mary, 410. 

Peter, 12, 18, 95, 97, 225, 336. 

Polly, 12, 226, 386. 

Samuel, 19, 78. 

Samuel, jr., 12. 
Music, 214, 233, 261, 283, 294. 
Music in churches, 418. 
Muskingum, 233. 

Mycall, , 61, 103, 200, 201, 

250, 251. 

J., 209. 
Mystic, 75, 100. 

Nahant, 174, 203. 
Nahant rock, 284. 
Nail factory, 278. 
Nantucket shoals, 354. 
Naugus Head, see Nogg's Head. 
Nayro, Mathew, 84. 



Neal, 248. 

Wid., 228. 

Jonathan, 210. 

Needham, , 28, 246. 

Nesbitt, , 158, 186. 

Nesboth, Nezboth, , 238. 

Abigail, 214, 232, 235, 236. 

John, 214. 
New Hampshire, 101. 
New Holland, 87. 
New Light preachers, 160, 176. 
" New Lights," 51, 58, 89, 103, 

108, 160, 176. 
New Mills, 353. 
New South Wales, 87. 
New York Marine Society, 152. 
Newbury, 60, 61, 103, 115, 182, 
253, 259, 285, 291, 382, 406, 
418. 
Newburyport, 60, 139, 200, 389, 

391. 
Newell," , 58, 258, 382. 

Jonathan, 184. 

Susannah, 183. 

Newhall, , 5, 18, 19, 37, 40, 

291. 

D., 17. 

David, 13. 19. 

Mary, 13, 19. 

Newman, , 163. 

Nichols, Nicoll, , 209, 248, 

412, 417. 

Rachel, 10. 

Richard, 226, 336, 344. 

Noble, , 35, 116, 200. 

Nogg's Head, 130, 193. 
Norris, , 61, 88. 

Rev., 272, 273. 

J., 139. 

John, 113, 146, 372, 402. 
North, Maj., 57. 
North Carolina, 100. 
North Reading, 177. 

Northey, , 188, 231. 

Norton, , 61. 

Nourse, , 83. 

B., 3, 281, 342, 354. 

Benjamin, 44, 122, 226, 336, 
341. 

Margaret, 406. 

Mary, 95. 

Nathaniel, 95. 

T., 8. 

Thomas, 341. 
Noyes, 21, 61, 75, 88, 151. 

Capt., 43, 60, 103, 250, 259. 

Rev., 273. 

Belcher, 282. 



444 



INDEX 



Nutting, , 21, 243, 281. 




Osgood, N., 342, 354. 




Dr., 28. 




Nathaniel, 13. 




Elizabeth (Pickman), 21. 




Oxnard, , 397. 




John, 21, 169. 




P., , 105. 




Obeare, , 114. 




Rev., 249. 




Occum, , 34. 




Page, , 193, 327, 414. 




Odell, Odle, , 204, 211. 




Capt., 78. 




L., 262. 




Lt. Col., 195. 




Lydia, 211. 




J., 272. 




Samuel, 202, 205, 209, 226. 


Col. Jo., 237. 




Ogden, , 139, 197, 324, 


331, 


John, 298. 




339. 




Samuel, 95. 




Rev., 322. 




Paine, Pain, , 32, 306. 




John C, 87. 




Dr., 102, 173, 295, 326, 


409, 


Ohio, 233, 236, 290. 




411. 




Oliver, , 139, 140, 196, 


238, 


Judge, 213. 




299, 302, 371, 419. 




William, ix. 




Dr., 59. 




Death of, 44. 




Judge, 311, 332. 




Palfrey, Palfray, , 4, 26, 33, 


Rev., 58, 76, 108, 165, 


182, 


95, 122, 125, 128, 137, 


169, 


249, 289, 313. 




190, 275, 365. 




Benjamin Lynde, 60. 




Wid., 401. 




Rev. D., 154, 182. 




Elizabeth, 409. 




Rev. F., 258. 




Capt. Hunlock, 13, 126. 




Peter, 332. 




Jonathan, 29, 226, 401. 




T. F., 119, 141, 196, 282. 




Richard, 401. 




Onions, 311. 




Sarah, 95, 126. 




Ordinations, 76, 111, 177, 


359, 


Thomas, 6, 119. 




386. 




W. L., 343. 




Organ in church, 264. 




W. R., 343. 




Orne, , 117, 125, 183, 


413, 


Walter, 226, 363. 




417. 




Warwick, 346, 347. 




Capt., 43, 232, 304, 361. 




William, 336. 




Col., 216, 217, 304, 314. 




Palmer, Gen., 42. 




Col., jr., 303. 




R., 343. 




Col., sr., 304. 




Timothy, 418. 




Wid„ 184. 




Paper mills, 202, 246, 279. 




A., 118. 




Par bar, xiii. 




Alice, 62, 63, 174, 246. 




Parish, , 161, 243, 419. 




Azor, 160. 




Rev., 363. 




B.,21. 




E., 359. 




Joseph, 27, 146, 152, 159, 


258. 


U., 359. 




Joshua, 160. 




Parker, , 34, 139, 140, 


228, 


Capt. Josiah, 40, 62, 103, 


109, 


231, 290, 362, 363, 371, 


378, 


174, 190, 226, 313. 




384, 385. 




Capt. Josiah, sr., 124. 




Dr., 196, 263, 320, 405, 


408, 


Lois (Pickering), xi. 




412, 414. 




Mary, xi, 146. 




Bradstreet, 416. 




Timothy, xi, 119, 146. 




Broadstreet, 4. 




W., 345, 372, 413. 




Henry, 363, 369, 370. 




William, 147, 152, 159. 




Samuel, 87, 126, 196. 




Osborne, Henry, 6, 28. 




Samy, 197. 




Osgood, , 121, 196, 213, 


286, 


William, 410. 




289, 290, 312. 




Parnell, Betsey, 4. 




Dr., 408, 410, 412. 




James, 4. 




B., 342. 




Parrot, Mary, 26, 49. 




Isaac, 285. 




Samuel, 14, 71. 





INDEX 



445 



Parsons, , 61, 88, 89, 118, 

150, 164, 175, 201, 204, 205, 
217, 218, 234, 235, 247, 251, 
252, 258, 267, 307, 413. 

Rev., 21, 22, 76, 203, 216, 242, 
255, 258, 280, 282, 283, 285, 
314, 320, 322, 399. 

E., 856. 

Eli, 55. 

Elizabeth, 24, 26, 33, 85, 166, 
169, 175, 289. 

Josiah, 13. 

T., 24. 

Thomas, 13, 16, 24, 56, 226, 
336. 

Patterson, Paterson, , 36, 

103, 293, 311. 

Capt., 89, 101, 102, 113, 127, 
167, 264, 269, 365, 405. 

B., 3. 

Benjamin, 341, 411. 

E. S., 3. 

Eliphalet, 411. 

Eliphalet Smith, 341. 

John, 13. 

Mehitable, 24, 95, 97. 

Capt. W., 284. 

Capt. William, 13, 27, 36, 95, 
97, 226, 336. 
Paving Essex Street (Salem), 

356, 388. 
Payson, , 141, 276, 282, 314. 

Rev., 377. 

Rev. P., 385. 
Peabody, Maj., 148. 
Peale, 4, 313. 

E., 3. 

M., 3. 

Mary, 341. 

William, 13, 17, 50, 375. 
Peale, see also Peele. 
Pearce, , 151. 

Col., 257, 267. 
Pearce, see also Pierce. 
Pearson, Maj., 258, 267. 

Prof., 28. 

Hannah, 71, 238. 
Pease, Peese, , 216. 

B., 3. 

Robert, 341. 
Peele, , 5. 

Betsey, 3, 5. 

Elizabeth, 341. 

Hannah, 271, 328. 

Lydia, 4, 416. 

Polly, 3, 5. 

Robert, 336. 

Willard, 310, 382. 



Peele, William, 4, 12 , 138, 226, 

270, 336, 416. 
Peele, see also Peale. 
Pelham, 94. 
Pemberton, , 322. 

E., 117. 
Pepperellborough, 65. 

Perkins, , 247, 295, 363, 365, 

402, 409, 412, 416. 

Maj., 57, 278. 

Capt. Joseph, xxx. 

Thomas, 410. 

William, 117. 
Perry, Hezekiah, 407. 
Peters, , 181. 

H., 272, 273. 

John, 48. 
Petersham, 55. 
Phelps, , 127. 

Ebenezer, 6, 119, 226. 

J., 343. 
Pherson, Maj., 195. 

C, 113. 
Philadelphia, 141. 

Phillips, Philips, , 121, 242, 

246, 360, 373, 378. 

Judge, 242. 

Betsey, 5, 119. 

Elizabeth, 13, 192, 226, 336. 
Phillips beach, 378, 388. 
Philpot, Anne, 95, 97. 

Elizabeth, 13. 

Phippen, , 49, 50, 81, 128, 

135, 150, 188, 275, 281, 358, 
377. 

Abigail, 410. 

Anstis, 96, 97. 

Atwater, 22. 

David, 95, 347. 

E., 150. 

Ebenezer, 13, 21, 95, 97, 226, 
336, 346, 347, 358. 

Elizabeth, 95, 97, 358, 415. 

H.,6. 

Joshua, 13, 128, 226, 336, 356. 

Margaret, 96, 97. 

Nathaniel, 13, 19, 55, 85, 191, 
226, 336. 

P., 6. 

Rebecca, 96. 

Robert, 13. 

Ruth, 22, 24, 95. 

S., 121. 

Sally, 5, 119. 
Phipps, Gov., 25. 

Lt. Gov., 117. 
Physicians, 238. 
Pickerdeau, , 393. 



446 



INDEX 



Pickering, , 400. 

Col., 380, 383. 

Louis, xi. 

Mary, 95. 

Sarah, 104. 
Pickering hill, 130, 135, 148. 

Pickman, , 157, 188, 281, 

404, 415. 

Col., 38, 148, 149, 170, 173, 
17(3, 216, 258, 319, 350, 354, 
355, 357, 372, 373, 402, 411. 

Madam, 38. 

B., 176, 196, 257. 

Col. Benjamin, 146. 

Elizabeth, 21. 

Capt. W., 350. 
Pickworth, Mary, 4. 
Picnic at Gloucester, 267. 

Pierce, , 26, 36, 40, 44, 113, 

140, 285, 328, 386. 

Capt., 37, 49, 51, 180. 

Col., 196, 359. 

Capt. D., 196. 

E., 18. 

Capt. Ebenezer, 13, 27. 

Joseph, 4. 

Lydia, 40. 

N., 376. 
Pierce, see also Pearce. 

Pike, , 61, 116. 

Pilot, Salem, xxx. 
Pinard, J. M., 76. 

Pintard, , 71. 

Piquedeau, , 393. 

Pitman, , 19. 

J., 343. 

Joshua, 21. 
Placide, M., 418. 

Piatt, , 322. 

Plumb island, 97, 98. 
Plummer, , 323. 

Dr. Joshua, 289. 
Poems, Unpublished, 27. 
Police of Salem, 209. 
Poor, 147, 245. 
Poorhouse, Salem, 247. 

Pope, , 163. 

Porter, , 125, 154, 197, 242. 

Wid. Abigail, 41, 226, 336, 413. 

R., 258. 

Ruth, 77, 78. 

Wid. Sarah, 95. 

Susannah, 413, 417. 

Thomas, 77. 
Portland, 342. 
Portland head, 232. 
Portsmouth (N. H.), 63, 64, 127. 
Poterie, Abbe de la, 136. 



Potter, , 170, 171. 

Poynton, Wid., 290. 

Thomas, 290. 
Pratt, Prat, , 120. 

Capt., 17,27, 44, 120, 124, 176, 
257, 274, 345. 

J., 275, 293, 376. 

Joseph, 13, 22, 27, 28, 120, 
121, 226. 

Margaret, 120. 
Prelate, Dr., 368. 

Prentiss, Prentice, ,21, 161, 

172, 204. 

Rev., 177, 402. 
Prescott, , 246. 

W., 257. 
Presson, Capt. A., 17. 

Andrew, 13, 88, 95, 97, 192, 
226, 336. 

Joseph, 341 . 

Mary, 95, 97. 

Samuel, 87. 
Preston, Capt. Andrew, 13. 

J., 3. 

Joseph, 410. 
Price, Dr., Ill, 185, 214, 363. 
Priestley, Priestly, , 313. 

Dr., xv, 34, 35, 305, 306, 308, 
309. 
Priestley's catechism, 68. 

Prince, , 132, 142, 164, 173, 

175, 195, 246, 251, 286, 293, 
301, 341, 343, 351. 

Rev., 21, 37, 40, 42, 60, 79, 152, 
160, 176, 349, 350, 355, 363, 
388 399 

Henry, 2, 13, 22, 75, 226, 336, 
344. 

Job, 149. 

Rev. John, x. 

Richard, 346. 

Richard, jr., 347. 

Sarah, 137, 202. 
Printing, 61, 285. 
Printing office, 200. 
Proctor, , 194. 

Silvester, 240. 

Thorndike, 6, 256. 
Providence (R. I.), 392. 
Provost, , 168, 299. 

Bp., 103, 139. 
Publications, New, 367. 

Pullen, Pulling, , 104, 296, 

350, 355, 369, 414. 

E., 258, 298, 372. 

Edw., 237. 

Edward, 84. 
Punchard, , 316. 



INDEX 



447 



Purchase, Abraham, xli. 

Putnam, , 5, 109, 186, 188, 

195, 318. 

Capt., 176. 

Gen., 180. 

Capt. B., 77. 

Ebenezer, 103, 179. 

S., 202. 
Pynchon, , 90, 244, 276. 

John, 244. 

William, 119, 244. 

q 228 

Quaker's, 282, 369, 373. 
Quarles, , 178. 

Rev., 363. 

Francis, 179. 

Radix, Polly, 401. 
Ram's Horn rock, 380. 
Ramsdall, Sarah, 410. 

William, 401. 
Rand, Dr., 194, 383, 407. 
Randolph, R., 3. 
Rantoul, Rantall, Rantoll, Ran- 
tolph, Mary, 13, 18, 88, 226, 
337 

Robert, 341, 408. 

Samuel, 408. 

Rea, , 417. 

Read, Reed, Reid, , 75, 92, 

189, 206, 258. 

Capt., 137. 

Nathan, 141, 206, 375. 

T., 280. 
Reading, 158, 243. 
Rebeccah (negro), 95. 
Reeves, W., 343. 
Religious intolerance, 253. 
Renew, , 57, 239, 316. 

Wid., 22, 98, 414. 

M., 22. 

Martha, 22. 

Mary, 14. 

Peggy, 22. 
Renough, S. P., 6. 
Revell, Ravell, Revelle, Han- 
nah, 95, 97. 

John, 95, 97, 226, 336. 
Revere, , 269. 

Paul, xxxvii. 
Rhodes, , 205, 209, 247. 

Elizabeth, 408. 

Rhust, , 37, 51, 52, 257, 340. 

Rice, , 66. 

Rich, Capt., 274. 
Richards, , 367. 

Rev. George, 264. 



Richards, John, 264. 

Jonathan, 192. 

Richardson, , 143, 145, 170, 

174, 190, 192, 318, 326, 327, 
365, 395. 

Eunice, 95, 97, 407. 

Israel, 407. 

J., 258. 

Jesse, 407. 

Joseph, xxxviii. 

N., 20, 115, 257, 293, 318, 395. 

Nathaniel, 13, 50, 85, 95, 97, 
111, 125, 226, 336. 

Robert, 13, 226, 336. 

S., 6. 

William. 407. 
Rickets, 254. 

Ridgway, Ridgeway, , 52, 

57, 133, 187, 211, 257, 268, 
277, 279, 387. 

Capt., 30, 38, 41. 

S., 44-47. 
Ring, Moses, 357, 358. 

S 3 

Se'th, 341, 408. 
Ripley, , 171. 

Rev., 396. 
Roach, Roche, , 214. 

Capt., 209, 238, 239. 
Roads, 160. 
Robbins, Rev., 76. 

Robertson, , 204, 219, 248, 

404. 

Capt., 205, 217. 

E., 257. 

Samuel, 146. 
Robinson, , 252. 

Capt., 32. 

Betsey, 4. 

F 325 
Roger's, - — , 39, 192, 195, 238, 
257, 275, 359, 382. 

Capt., 265, 266. 

Dr., 322. 

Rev., 322. 

C 257. 

Charles, 267, 360. 

D., 196, 257. 

Daniel, 266, 267, 346. 

.John, 267. 

M., 363. 

Nathaniel, 226, 275, 336, 386. 

Rolfe, Rholf, , 250, 252. 

Fortune, 99. 
Roman Catholics, 133, 101, L62, 

165, 182. 
Rootes, , 181. 



448 



INDEX 



Kootes, Catherine, 181. 

Josiah, 181. 

Richard, 181. 

Thomas, 180. 
Rope-dancer, 418. 
Ropewalk, 229, 290, 294. 

Ropes, , 132, 162, 202, 268, 

342, 343. 

Alice, 370, 383. 

Benjamin, 4, 95, 416. 

George, 226, 337. 

Hannah, 4. 

J., 343. 

John, 341. 

Jonathan, 190. 

Mary, 96, 97, 368. 

N., 79. 

Nathaniel, 402. 

Ruth Hardy, 95. 

S., 257, 293. 

Sally, 4. 

Samuel, 4, 14, 44, 47, 107, 113, 
163, 226, 271, 336, 365, 416. 

Sarah, 341, 416. 

Seeth, 100, 163, 311. 

Susannah, 95. 

Capt. T., 372. 

W., 19. 

William, 4, 13, 63, 96, 97, 118, 
337, 341, 416. 
Ross, , 14, 19. 

Gen., xxx. 

Wid., 414. 

Hannah, 3. 

Rousselet, Rouselet, , 178, 

188, 192, 194, 252, 268. 
Rowell, , 22, 232, 293, 364. 

Capt., 18. 

B., 3. 

Hannah, 57. 

J., 3. 

John, 337, 341. 

Thomas, 14, 18, 101, 226, 230, 
336, 341. 

W., 3. 

William, 341, 410. 
Rowlandson, Pev., 171. 
Rowley, 206, 2S1. 
Rue, Rhue, , 7, 162, 

Wid., 414. 

Martha, 14. 

P. 3 

Philip, 341. 

S., 3. 

Sally, 3. 

Sarah, 341. 

Thomas, 13, 40, 226, 336. 
Ruggles, , 278. 



Rush, Dr., 294. 

Russell, Russel, , 199, 259, 

370. 

Capt., 341. 

Thomas, 414. 
Rust, see Rhust. 
Rutland, 55, 94. 

S., Dr., 268. 
Saco, 63, 65. 
Safford, , 26, 275. 

Elizabeth, 95. 

Rachel, 401. 

Thomas, 95, 347. 
Sage, Daniel, 227, 337. 

Deborah, 71, 132, 315. 

William, 14, 122, 226, 337. 

St. Clair, , 362. 

St. Peter's Church, Salem, 214. 
Salem Artillery, 59, 70. 

Cadets, 59, 70. 

Census, 222. 

Census in 1785, 7. 

Census in 1790, 212. 

Common, 125, 189. 

Duck manufactory, 202. 

Harbor, 287. 

Harbor frozen, 343. 

Marine Society, xvi, 144, 262, 
270, 276. 

Ministers, 272. 

Neck, xvii, xxviii, xxxiii, 127, 
130, 132, 135, 180, 308, 309. 

Streets and lanes, 228. 
Salisbury, 200, 418. 

Saltonstals, , 198, 

Salvages, 97. 

Sanburne, , 65, 68, 177, 243. 

Sanders, , 123. 

Sargent, see Sergeant. 
Sarvey, , 49. 

Anna, 49. 
Saunders, , 357, 358. 

Capt., 147, 195. 

Maj. Jo., 400. 

John, 355. 

Susannah, 408. 
Saunderson, , 195. 

Dea., 402. 
Savage, Judge, 66. 
Sayward, Susanna, 14. 
Scales, William, 146. 
Scammon, Col., 66. 

Scattergood, , 282. 

School regulations, 32. 
Schoolmaster, Letter to the, 31. 
Schools, 188, 242, 252, 275, 399. 
Schools, Instructions in, 307. 



INDEX 



449 



Scott, Gen., 329. 

Seabury, , 99, 196, 299, 300. 

Bishop, 90, 140, 268, 269, 313, 
322, 324. 

Searles, Searle, Sarle, , 14, 

57, 125, 127, 132, 165. 
Wid.,98, 414. 
Joseph, 14, 17, 125. 
Sebago lake, 287. 

Seccombe, , 191. 

Sergeant, , 199, 257, 265. 

Capt., 267. 
Kev., 177. 
Epes, 196. 
Servey, see Sarvey. 
Settlement of Salem, 179. 

Sewall, Sewell, , 58, 119, 

155, 244, 304. 
Judge, 233. 
P., 37. 
S., 28, 257. 
Stephen, 9. 

Seward, , 14, 19, 133. 

Wid. Susannah, 337. 
Shallop cove, 179. 

Shaw, , 149. 

Rev., 199. 
S., 157. 
Shays, D., 372. 

Daniel, 55. 
Shay's Rebellion, 54. 

Shehane, Sheheen, , 163, 

232, 233, 262, 412. 
Wid., 414. 
Bethiah, 230, 390. 
D., 231. 
Daniel, 337. 
Daniel, jr., 227. 
Sarah, 233, 271. 
Stephen, 410. 

Sheldon, Shelden, , 414. 

Wid. Peggy, 106. 
Sheldon, see also Skeldon. 
Sheppard, Gen., 55. 

Sherman, , 200. 

Shillaber, Capt., 339. 
Ship-building, 202, 231, 260, 

382 
Ships, Masters of (1786), 27. 
Shipwrecks, 26, 33, 48, 133, 138, 
154, 157, 219, 262, 269, 303, 
339, 343, 347, 355, 356, 358, 
362, 371, 400, 413. 
Shipwreck of Capt. Mason, 26. 
Shipyard, 240. 
Short, Elizabeth, 95. 
Shropshire (Eng.), 100. 
Shuttlesworth, , 243. 



Sickness, 169, 282, 389. 

Silsbee, , 5, 16, 115, 183, 

184, 211, 270, 274. 
Capt., 51. 
Abigail, 95. 

Joanna, 95, 97, 274, 405. 
Johanna, 14. 
Martha, 95, 97. 
N., 18, 39, 100, 148, 269. 
Nath., 1, 14, 50, 95, 97, 109. 
Nathaniel, 226, 328, 329, 346, 

347. 
S 6 257 
Samuel, 14, 50, 95, 97, 122, 

227 237. 
Samuel, jr., 227, 337. 
Samuel, sr., 337. 
Sarah, 95, 97, 127, 274, 837, 
405. 

Silver, , 57, 69. 

Wid., 98, 414. 

Sarah, 14, 28, 166, 226, 337. 
Silver cups, xiv. 
Silver plate, 147. 

Simonds, Simons, , 96, 160. 

J., 343. 
S., 343. 
Simons, see also Symonds. 

Simpkins, , 315. 

Sinclair, , 212, 216,384, 385. 

Singing at the East church, 2, 

119. 
Singing school, 261, 294, 338, 

340, 394. 
Skating, 253. 

Skeldon, Skelden, , 95. 

Wid. Peggy, 106. 
Skeldon, see also Sheldon. 
Skelton, Rev., 272, 273. 

Skerry, , 180, 331. 

Henry, 329. 

Skillman, , 19. 

Skinner's Head, 305. 

Slake, ,269. 

Slave trade, 104, 105, 123, 216, 

384-386. 
Slaves, 212. 
Sleds, 253. <n _ 

Sleuman, , 85, 100, 192, 19o, 

258, 259, 306, 400. 
Capt., 211, 232, 310, 315, 320. 
A., 221. 

Andrew, 14, 221, 226, 337. 
Mary, 221. 
Sloacum, Ebenezer, 337. 

Sloane, , 310. 

Small pox, 187, 191, 389, 390, 
393, 394, 397, 400. 



450 



INDEX 



Smith, , 21, 27, 28, 43, 57, 

136, 155, 236, 268, 274, 277, 
282, 302, 339, 397. 
Capt., 381. 
Dr., 186. 

Rev., 51, 76, 121, 143, 170,391. 
Wid., 158. 
C, 5. 

Charles, 6. 
E., 351, 402. 
Capt. Edw., 348. 
G., 293. 

George, 2, 14, 24,226, 337, 369. 
Henry, 84. 
Hezekiah, 198. 
Hugh, 147. 

Rev. Isaac, 182, 236, 291. 
John, xxxix, 401. 
Jonathan, 6. 
Joseph, 14, 21, 95, 347. 
Lydia, 70, 235. 
Mercy, 95, 97, 193. 
Rebecca, 14, 227, 337. 
Robert, 14, 125, 226, 337. 
S., 3, 177. 

Samuel, 49, 193, 226, 235, 236. 
Susannah, 341. 
Wid. Susey, 14. 

Snelling, , 5, 6, 109, 122, 

124, 176. 
J., 5, 6. 
Jonathan, 31. 
Joseph, 14, 20. 
P., 6. 
Polly, 5. 

Snow, , 160. 

Snow-storm, 340. 
Soames, Capt., 257, 267. 
Sohier, Capt., 44. 

Soley, , 117. 

Solis, Abraham, 362. 
Somersworth (N. H.), 67. 
Sougue, Jean Francois St. Ma- 
rie, 263, 269, 276, 281, 310, 
315, 345, 350. 
Sounding board, xlii. 

Southward, , 20, 401, 403, 

412, 417. 
Abigail, 401. 
George, 401. 
Hannah, 401. 
John, 401. 
Jonathan, 14. 
Jonathan R., 401. 
Lydia, 401. 
Polly, 401. 
Sally, 401. 
Wid. Susannah, 226. 



Southward, William, 401. 

Southwick, , 275. 

Spanish officers', 307. 

Sparhawk, , 355. 

Rev., 273, 355. 

Spaulding, , 89, 161,341,345. 

Rev., 85, 355. 
Rev. Joshua, 58. 
Speculation, 354. 
Spelling in schools, 307. 
Spinning, 149. 
Spofford, Dr., 38. 
Sports, 253. 

Sprague, , 172. 

Maj., 79, 350, 375. 
Sprie, Capt., 384. 

Spring, ,64, 89, 160, 243,250. 

Rev., 108. 
Springfield, 55. 
Stagecoach, 361. 

Stanton, , 347, 348. 

Rev., 273. 
Stark, Dr., 142. 

Stearns, , 350. 

Dr., 40. 
L., 171. 
Stepney (Conn.), 73. 

Steuart, , 380. 

Steuben, Baron, 57. 

Stevens, , 156. 

Wid., 154, 414. 

Bimsley, 211, 241. 

Wid. Eunice, 14, 18, 95, 97. 

G., 2. ' 

Mary, 156, 226, 337. 

Mercy, 95. 

Wid. Sarah, 14. 

T., 154. 

Thomas, 14. 

Steward, , 118. 

Stewart, see Steuart. 

Stickney, , 361. 

Stiles, Styles, , 320. 

Dr., 339. 
Rev., 310. 
Ezra, 135, 289. 

Stillman, Stileman, , 164 

235. 
Dr., 205, 282, 388. 
Stivers, Sarah, 14. 
W., 257. 

Stocker, , 138. 

Marshall, 14, 126. 
Martha, 138. 
Mary, 71. 
Stoddard, Ebed, 14. 
Ebenezer, 227, 337. 
Solomon, 93. 



INDEX 



451 



stone , ,51,81,216,364,395. 

Capt., 19, 71. 

Rev., 25, 177, 192, 216, 402. 
Anstis, 95, 97, 407. 
Benjamin, 407. 
Betsey, 407. 
Elizabeth, 95. 
Hannah, 63, 401, 407. 
Nancy, 63. 

R., 18,229. ^ nr 

Capt. Robert, 14, 50, 55, 95, 
97, 193, 226, 337, 346, 347, 
407. 
Sally, 63. 
Sarah, 407. 
Stone chapel, Boston, 83. 
Stone walls, 242. 

Storer, , 85, 363,385,404,412. 

Storms, 33, 47, 109. 

story , , 58, 89, 104, 108, 140, 

175. 
Cant 404 
Rev. ,"58, 104, 251, 258, 283,388. 

Rev. Isaac, 75. 
Stoves, 150. 

Straten, , 94. 

Striker, , 316. 

Strong, , 61. 

Strout, , 59, 376. 

Capt., 151, 258, 287, 288. 

Capt. Joseph, 14, 226, 337. 

Margaret, 191. 
Sudden death, 191, 313, 380. 
Suicide, 87, 153, 194, 288. 

Sullivan, , 54, 322. 

Summers, Robert, 14. 
Sunday observance, 286. 
Sunday school, xxxiii. 
Sunderland, 92. 
Superstition, 238, 263 . 
Suttee, 231. 
Swain, ,132, 167,363 36 < 

Rev., xi, 21, 75, 76, 106, 132, 

166, 200, 249. 
Rev. Joseph, 376, 377. 
Swallows, 154. 
Swan , , 92, 176, 228, 231, 

401, 406. 

Caleb, 4. 

Swanzey, -, 173. 

Swasey, Swaysey, Swazey, Ma]., 
304. 

Hannah, 6, 120, 410. 

J., 3. 

John, 341, 410. 

M., 3,57. 

Wid. Margaret, 95,97,341,401. 

Mary, 9S, 410, 414. 



Swasey, Nabby, 6, 119. 
Tolly, 5. 

Capt. Samuel, 14, 226, 337. 
Sarah, 95. 

Swett, Swet, , 61, 259. 

Dr., 116, 200, 257. 
Dr. John Barnard, 259. 
Symmes, Rev., 121, 242, 402. 

Symonds, , 201, 257, 305, 

311, 331, 410, 414, 415, 417. 
Benjamin, 329. 
Elizabeth, 329. 
James, 329. 

John, 319, 320, 329, 337. 
Joseph, 329. 
Mary, 329. 
Nath., 417. 
Ruth, 329. 
Sarah, 329. 
Thomas, 329. 
Symonds, see also Simonds. 

Talbot, , 21, 

Tapley, , 239. 

Margaret, 346. 

Tappan, Toppan, , 104, no, 

118, 252, 360, 369. 
Rev., 166, 178. 
Rev. Benjamin, 166. 
Rev. David, 286, 418. 
Tarbox, D., 217. 

Tasker, , 139. 

Tavern, Blue Anchor, 601. 
Sun, 101. 

Taylor, Tayleur, , 100, 300. 

Tea, 381. 
Teague, Nath., 3. 
Thomas, 3. 

Teil, Tiel, , 414, 417. 

Temperature, 142. 

Tennent, , 53. 

Tenney, see Tinney. 
Tewkesbury, 25, 117. 
Thanksgiving day, 413. 

Thatcher, Thacher, , 34. 

Rev., 269. 
George, 66. 

Thayer" , 135, 161, 162, 16o, 

166, 182, 188, 192, 194, 196, 
216, 232, 252, 268, 292, 299, 
310, 357. 
Brig., 314. 

Rev , 177, 178, 315, 318. 
John, 135. 
Theatrical entertainments, div, 

381,384,418. 
Thieft, xxxi, 118, 133, 161, 165, 
205, 212,216,228,230,258,290. 



452 



INDEX 



Thomas, , 59, 115, 142, 200, 

299, 339, 401, 415. 

Capt., 21, 29, 89. 

Elizabeth, 236, 414. 

Ts3.is.Ti "141 

Capt. William, 14, 227, 337. 
Thompson, , 233. 

Wid. Anne, 227, 337. 

Helena, 281. 
Thorndike, , 189, 404. 

Col., 149. 

Israel, xix. 
Tinker's island, 33. 

Tinney, , 364. 

Titcombe, Titcomb, Gen., 106, 
128 

Maj. Gen., 195, 240. 
Titus, 347. 
Titus (negro), 401. 
Tobacco, 220. 

Tolbert, Frank (negro), 404. 
Tong, Capt., 66. 
Tontine, 344. 

Toppelin, , 36. 

Tops, 254. 

Topsfield, 63, 76, 89, 90, 125, 
197, 215, 241, 242. 

Torrey, , 172. 

Touzel, Tousell, Towsell, , 

22. 

John, 22. 
Town-meeting, 151, 237. 
Towne, Joseph, 417. 

Townsend, , 25, 43, 171, 173, 

188, 192, 401. 

Capt., 89, 263, 276. 

A., 6. 

Anna, 5, 95. 

James, 171. 

Joshua, 171. 

Lydia, 85, 211. 

M., 16, 51, 257. 

Capt. Moses, 14, 27, 37, 42,60, 
227, 337, 365, 401. 

Nancy, 188. 

Penn, 14, 43, 50, 227, 237, 337. 

Samuel, 227, 337, 401. 

Tozzer, Touzzer, Towzer, , 

18, 21, 57, 220, 275. 

Wid., 173. 

Ab., 98. 

Wid. Abia, 227, 337. 

Wid. Abial, 228. 

Abiel, 14, 414. 

Sarah, 14, 17, 18. 
Tracy, Tracey, ,116,200,312. 

Adj., 296. 

D. A., 303. 



Tracy, J., 195, 250, 299. 

Adj. Gen. Jo., 240. 

John, 249, 296. 

N., 115. 

Nathaniel, 391. 

Patrick, 116. 
Trainings, see Military reviews. 
Trask, , 41. 

John, 5, 119, 136. 

Treadwell, , 65, 68, 75, 115, 

157, 166, 200, 249, 251, 350, 
388. 

Rev., 85. 

J., 402. 

Dr. John, 141. 
Treat, Capt., 278. 

Lieut., 57. 
Trecothick, James, 84. 

Trenck, , 322. 

Trenton, 141. 

Trevet, , 48. 

Trisker, , 139. 

Tucker, , 235, 257. 

Capt., 267. 

Dr., 116, 263, 357, 360. 

Dr. I., 257. 
Tufton, Thomas, 347. 
Turner, , 127. 

Col., 176, 347. 
Turtle, 302. 
Twisse, , 311. 

Jonathan, 227, 337. 
Tyler, , 220. 

Gideon, 241. 
Tyng, Dudley Atkins, 209. 
Tythingman, 240. 

Ulmer, George, 125. 
Underwood, , 282. 

Wid., 414. 

George, 4, 416. 

John, 138, 227, 337. 

Sarah, 15,192,227,235,283, 337. 
Union Fire Club, 392, 417. 
Unitarianism, Foundation of, 

xiv. 
Unitarians, 294. 
Universalists, 271, 353, 367. 
University of Virginia, xx. 
Upton, , 192, 400. 

Wid., 25. 

Susannah, 183. 

Valpy, Valpey, Valprey, , 

175, 337, 403, 412. 
Abraham, 4. 
Betsey, 4. 
Dorcas, 4. 



INDEX 



453 



Valpy, Hetty, 375. 
Lydia, 15, 95, 97, 414. 
M., 57. 

Margaret, 372. 
Mary, 15, 98, 156, 414. 
Richard, 15, 85, 227, 300. 
Richard, jr., 227, 337, 406. 
Richard, sr., 15, 337. 
S., 402. 

Samuel, 409, 417. 
Stephen, 4. 
Susannah, 22. 
Van Diemen's land, 87. 

Van Norton, , 281. 

Vandehook, , 43. 

Vanderfoot, Charles, 15. 
Vanderford, Sarah, 215. 
Vane, Weather, 126. 

Vans, , 69, 193. 

W., 192, 258. 
Varnum, Joseph B., xxxix. 
Vassal, William, 84. 

Vaughan, , 47. 

Verd islands, 124. 
Veren, Dorcas, 181. 
Hilliard, 181. 
Philip, 181. 
Vermont, 75, 99. 

Vernon, , 38, 81. 

Very, , 127, 197, 209, 396. 

Capt. James, 227, 337. 
Jonathan, 346, 347. 
Mary, 95. 

Vincent, , 100, 122,179, 229, 

364. 
Amb., 84. 
Anna, 1, 229. 
Mrs. E., 6. 

J., 119, 257, 272, 298. 
Capt. Jo., 237. 
Joseph, 6, 15, 43, 50, 119, 227, 

229, 337. 
M., 6. 

Mathew, 337, 401. 
Patty, 409. 
Sarah, 409. 
Thomas, 418. 
Vining, Thomas, 354. 
Virgin Point, Salem, 179. 
Virginia, University of, xx. 

W., , 366. 

Capt., 118. 

Gen., 317. 

King, 126. 

T., 101. 
Wade, , 3, 415. 

Col., 30. 



Wadsworth, , 132, 164. 

Rev., 20, 21, 72, 75, 76, 121, 
216, 258, 318, 363, 392, 402. 

Wait, , 173. 

Waldo, , 171, 350. 

Walker, , 20. 

John, 2, 15. 

Wall, , 290. 

Wallack, Capt., 271. 

Wallis, , 30. 

Robert, 6. 

Wallux, Capt. , 271. 

Walpole, H„ 153. 

Walter, , 197, 362. 

Dr., 190,203,229, 320, 357, 362. 
Dr. Lynde, 196. 

Ward, , 2, 27, 43, 49, 51, 100, 

107,132,133,136,140,151, 194, 
209, 264, 268, 269, 283, 284, 
326, 328, 354. 
Capt. 19, 49, 106, 345. 
Andover, 119. 

Andrew, 5, 119, 136, 325, 408. 
B., 127, 193, 231, 257, 343,357, 

402. 
Benjamin, 15, 42, 50, 96, 97, 
113, 125, 126, 237, 346, 347. 
Benjamin, jr., 24, 78, 227, 338. 
Benjamin, sr., 342. 
F 21 

Capt. E. B.,343. 
Ebenezer, 96, 97, 111, 113. 
Elizabeth, 401. 
G., 6. 

Hannah, 409. 
J., 132, 308. 
John, 15, 132, 401. 
Joseph, 152. 
Joshua, 77, 109, 123, 131, 247, 

328, 350. 
M., 343. 

Wid. Mary, 227, 338. 
Miles, 127, 131, 346, 347. 
Molly, 132. 
R., 132, 151, 358. 
Rachel, 15, 96, 97. 
Richard, 131. 
S., 151. 
S C 120. 
Samuel, 79, 80, 90. 

Warden, , 289. 

Wardilloe, , 95. 

Warner, Maj. Gen., 94. 
Elizabeth, 235. 

Warrall, , 309. 

Warren, , 57, 404. 

Dr., 232, 407. 
Gen., 57. 



454 



INDEX 



Warren, Prof., 30. 
Wid., 376. 
Benjamin, 43. 
Washington, Madam, 322. 
George, xxix, 129-131, 143,157, 
158,183, 219, 320, 322, 362, 
381. 
Etching of, 219. 
Visit, 1789, 128. 
P., 168. 
Washington (D. C), xxx. 

Waters, , 72,73,216,316,317. 

Capt., 33, 43, 73, 94, 205, 365. 

Alice G., xxxvii. 

Ester, 4, 416. 

George, 124. 

Capt. J., 18, 385. 

John, 329. 

Capt. Joseph, 15, 21,27,96,98, 

227, 338. 
Joseph G., ix, xli. 
Martha, 416. 
Mary, 15, 21, 50, 71, 114, 125, 

126, 227, 338, 416. 
Patty, 4. 
Polly, 4, 5. 

Samuel, 124, 331, 338. 
Watertown. 158, 246, 279. 
Watkins, Lydia, 96. 
Samuel, 96. 

Watson, , 19, 31, 50,186,198, 

257, 275, 294, 298, 302, 344, 
364, 395, 397, 402. 
Wid., 184. 
A., 127, 183, 190. 
Ab., 18. 

Abigail, 96, 97, 407. 
Abraham, 15, 50, 95, 97, 107, 

124, 183, 346, 347, 407. 
Elizabeth, 96, 97. 
J., 24. 

John, 15, 18, 24, 50,96, 97, 125, 
184, 227, 325, 338, 346, 347, 
401, 404, 407. 
Marston, 360. 
Waxworks, 265. 
Weather, 148. 
Weathercock, 126. 
Weather, Mild winter, 330, 332. 
Weaving, 143. 

Webb, , 15,55, 57,81,96,100, 

101, 109, 122, 132, 174, 176 
182, 194, 307, 308, 316, 365, 
400, 402, 410. 
Capt., 20, 184, 303. 
Wid., 85, 98, 414. 
B., 290. 
Benjamin, 15, 177, 388. 



Webb, Capt.Benjamin, 3d, 227, 

338. 
Deborah, 410. 
H., 6. 

Hannah, 5, 15, 50, 97, 100, 118, 
132, 156, 227, 260, 306, 337, 
338, 353. 
J., 343. 

John, 227, 338, 353, 388. 
Jonathan, 6, 119, 346, 353. 
Joseph, 410. 
Mary, 220. 
Micah, 109, 158, 164, 175, 176, 

182, 353. 
N. C, 102. 

Oliver, 15, 102. 227, 338. 
P., 121. 

Priscilla, 6, 85, 96, 120, 408. 
Sally, 85. 

Samuel, 27, 101, 169. 
Stephen, 15, 50, 227, 338, 401, 

410. 
Thomas, 4. 
William, 338, 388. 

Webber, , 57, 125, 362. 

Elizabeth, 276. 

Webster, , 40, 167. 

Wedding, 286. 

Welch, Welsh, , 36, 138, 248 

389. 

Welcome, , 27, 66, 122, 364. 

Wid. Elizabeth, 227, 338. 
Priscilla, 410. 
T.,2d, 18. 
Thomas, 15, 24. 

Wells, , 67. 

Wells, 64. 

Welman, Wellman, , 16, 36, 

53,113, 258,401,411, 412,419. 
Capt., 89, 383. 
Wid., 15,20. 
Capt. Adam, 15, 27, 29,48,49, 

51, 166, 401. 
Judith, 407, 413, 417. 
Margaret, 409. 
Mary, 38, 49, 53. 
Mercy, 49, 50, 53, 97, 156, 227, 

338. 
S., 154. 
Samuel, 53. 
Sarah, 85. 
Capt. T., 197. 
Timothy, 4, 15, 17, 27, 28, 50, 

72, 227, 341, 364, 416, 419. 
Capt. Timothy, jr., 338. 
Capt. Timothy, sr., 338. 
Wem (England), xv, 100. 
Wenham, 212, 301, 367, 376, 377 



INDEX 



455 



Wesley, John, 268. 

Wes t, , 38, 100, 111, 179, 

415. 
Capt., 91, 149, 176, 311, 319. 
Rev., 25. 

Capt. B., 244, 284. 
N., 131, 168, 176. 
Nathaniel, 107, 109, 179, 206, 

227. 
Sukey, 73. 
Capt. Thomas, 375. 
Westminister catechism, xv. 
Wetmore, William, 119. 
Wharves, 128, 131, 140, 143, 146, 
148, 151, 240. 

Wheat, , 113. 

Wheeler, ,55,87,139,196,262. 

Adam, 55. 

Wheelwright, Wheelright, , 

118, 252. 

Whitaker, , 230, 231. 

Dr., 34, 35, 176, 178, 213, 311, 

313, 314, 327, 355. 
Rev., 272, 273. 

white , Hi, 117, 188, 255, 

260, 316, 326, 328, 364, 396, 
415. 
Bishop, 125. 
Capt., 19, 22, 48, 81, 204, 274, 

406. 
Wid., 414. 
Deborah, 407. 
Elizabeth, 26. 
H., 18, 59, 159, 257, 287. 
Capt. Henry, 1, 15, 27, 62, 72, 

227 338 
Isaac', 15, 26, 80, 126, 133, 189, 

227, 248, 338, 407. 
Isaac, jr., 277. 
Isaac, sr., 133. 
J., 309, 372, 395. 
Capt. Jo., 82, 123, 239. 
John, 15, 50, 51, 96, 97, 100, 
109, 118, 127, 138, 177, 204, 
227, 257, 338, 346, 347, 353, 
357, 400. 
Capt. Joseph, 9, 15, 19, 50, 
51, 77, 79, 96, 100, 159, 193, 
216, 220, 227, 338, 341, 382, 
395, 407. 
Js., jr., 257. 
Js., sr., 257. 
Capt. M., 16. 
Margaret, 43, 96, 97, 192. 
Mercy, 15, 240, 246. 
Nathan, 407. 
Polly, 174. 
White mountains, 216. 



Whitefield, Rev. George, 53, 61, 
251, 382. 

Whitefoot, Whitfoot, , 18, 

19, 220. 

Bridget, 220. 

M., 57, 228. 

Mary, 98, 220, 221. 
Whitford, , 185, 307. 

Wid., 15, 20, 414. 

John, 96. 

Mary, 19, 96, 97, 125, 126, 227, 

Whiting, , 172, 392. 

Rev., 171. 

Whittemore, , 38. 

Edmund, 15, 24, 25, 27, 29, 

96, 175, 346, 347. 
James, 338, 410. 
Mary, 187, 188, 191, 192, 227, 

338. 
Polly, 186, 192. 
Capt. Retire, 227, 338. 
S 3. 
Sarah, 96, 341. 

Whitwell, , 161. 

Wilder, , 173. 

Wilds, , 89, 242. 

Wilkins, Dr., 220. 

Willard, , 149. 

Dr., 31, 141, 385. 
Josiah, xli, 346. 
Simon, 346. 

Williams, , 82, 92, 93, 186, 

252, 279, 281, 349, 359. 
Rev., 272, 273. 
Charles, 84. 
F., 326. 
G., 308. 
George, 146. 
J., 92. 
John, 96. 
Mary, 15, 96. 
Mascoll, 354. 
S 220. 

Thomas, 227, 338. 
Williamston, 157. 
Willis, Nanny, 51. 
Wilmington, 205, 213. 

Wilson, Willson, , 181. 

John, 180. 
Windmill, 243. 
Windsor (Vt.), 2. 
Wingate, Rev., 29. 
Winn, E., 221. 
John, 221. 
Joseph, 221. 
Mary. 221. 
S., 221. 



456 



INDEX 



Winter island, 127. 
Winter Island wharf, 240. 

Winthrop, , 48, 71, 73, 79, 

99, 101, 125, 129, 155, 173, 
185, 187, 232, 233, 247, 323, 
383, 394, 396, 397. 
Dr., 158, 184. 
Gov., 187, 193. 
Judgre, xvii, 257, 263, 277, 278, 

300, 382. 
James, xxxix, 31, 38, 249. 
John, 38. 
W., 279. 

William, 185, 257. 
Wood, Col., 236. 
Wood End, North Reading, 177. 
Woodberry's Head, 159. 

Woodbridge, , 77, 122, 127, 

151, 160. 
Woodkin, Woodkind, Wood- 
kins, Lydia, 410. 
Samuel, 15, 28, 227, 232, 234, 
338. 
Woods, , 24. 



Woods, Abigail, 22. 
Worcester, xxv, 40, 55. 

Wright, , 219, 265, 313. 

Wyatt, Wiat, Wiatt, , 117, 

204, 410. 

Capt., 406, 412. 

Anna, 117. 

J., 346. 

John, 96, 347. 

M., 346. 

N., 6. 

Nancy, 163. 

Capt. William, 15,227,338,410. 

Yale College, 127. 

Youlin, , 98. 

Young, , 137, 323, 389. 

M., 57. 

Wid. Margaret, 97, 138. 

Wid. Martha, 96. 

Mary, 98, 414. 

Zebra, 372. 



r<r* 



APR 1959 






